Joseph Karl Ruffing's Obituary
On January 25, 2026, Joseph Karl Ruffing passed from this world
into the great halls of Christ’s Heavenly Kingdom. Joe is survived
by his beloved wife, Clara, their daughter Julia, his mother,
Jeannette, brothers James (Jim/Ruff)- (Grace), Jeffrey, John
(Cathy), Jerry (Laurie), and many nieces, nephews, cousins,
extended family, and friends. Joe is preceded in death by his
dad, James Ruffing.
Joe was a graduate of Penn Hills High School and the Art
Institute of Pittsburgh.
Joe was known for being an amazingly talented artist. Joe was
always drawing or sketching and creating breathtaking paintings
and sculptures. He had a beautiful and creative mind, which led
him into his current career.
For over 25 years, Joe worked as a Graphic Designer and
Multimedia Specialist at the Department of Rehabilitation
Science and Technology (RST) and SHRS. His department
described him as an invaluable asset to the students, staff, and
faculty and that his talents transcended that title. Joe was
awarded the Dean’s Staff Excellence Awards for Research and
Scholarly Activity Mission Administration, which recognizes an
outstanding staff member who has worked to advance the
school’s research efforts.
In 2003, he started an in-person and online Multiple Sclerosis
(MS) support group. He was passionate about helping members
of his group navigate through life challenges that they may face
with MS. This passion led to developing a bond with an amazing
group of people who he cherished greatly.
For the past 12 years he worked with the Kairos Prison Ministry
International, recently serving on the PA State committee and the
local chapter advisory committee. Joe was a proud support
member of the One Voice Christian Vocal ensemble.
Joe’s love and passion for his work in Kairos and MS support
group was fueled by his bold truth-telling and his fiercely
unashamed and a mighty warrior for Jesus Christ. The Word was
Joe’s compass, the true North guiding his life, outreach and
ministries. He had a passion for studying the life-giving message
of salvation and illuminating the darkest corners of the world with
the light of God’s love.
“Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed
about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the
rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus
died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with
Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.” 1 Thessalonians
4:13-14
In lieu of flowers, feel free to make a donation either to Kairos
Prison Ministry International, please make the check out to
“Kairos Prison Ministry”, in the check’s memo section write “SCI
Greene” and sent it to Kairos Prison Ministry-SCI Greene, PO
Box 71, Trafford PA 15085 and/or Greater Pittsburgh Community
Food Bank. https://pittsburghfoodbank.org/
The Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 7th 11:00 AM at the North Hills Christian Church, 778 Thompson Run Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237.
https://www.northhillschristian.church/
Arrangements have been entrusted to Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home Inc. 301 Curry Hollow Rd Pittsburgh PA 15236.
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