Joyce Ann Ruff

Joyce Ann (Kitchen) Ruff, 73, raised in Lilly Chapel, Ohio, and later resided in Columbus, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, June 30, 2022, at Mt. Carmel Hospital in Grove City, Ohio, with her daughter by her side. Joyce was born in the former Mt. Carmel Hospital on the west side of Columbus on June 17, 1949, to her late father, Jeff Kitchen, and her surviving mother, Virginia “Ginnie” (Gillette) Kitchen. She was the youngest of their three children. Joyce was preceded in death by her father, Jeff Kitchen, and her older, firstborn sister, Judy (Kitchen)Tapp. Joyce is survived by her daughter, Babette “Babs” Renee (Ruff) Hall, mother, Ginnie Kitchen, brother Jerry (Debbie) Kitchen, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Joyce wanted to express her deep love and appreciation for her friendships with Brenda Miller-Black and Debby Tindle. While growing up, Joyce attended Lilly Chapel United Methodist Church and participated in many youth activities. In school, she was in theater, basketball, Honor Society, and more. Joyce graduated from Plains High School in Mt. Sterling, Ohio, on June 1, 1967. After graduating, she worked at the State of Ohio Parole Board, an insurance company with her friend Debby and a few other positions prior to being hired at a national printing company, Treasure Chest Advertising, where she remained for a few decades until she retired as a paper control manager.

Joyce married Charlie Theodore Ruff on March 15, 1968. Together they conceived a daughter, Babette, born on October 2, 1975. Although divorced in July of 1977, Joyce's endless love provided guidance, communication, and support for her daughter.

Joyce enjoyed bicycling, basketball, badminton, tennis, roller and ice skating, hiking, walking in the woods, swimming, reading, knitting, learning, history, children, animals, babies, long intimate intellectual chats with those she loved, and her solitary peaceful times alone. Joyce was an active, determined, committed advocate, and companion always staying true to herself, her beliefs and values while trying to do what was best for those she loved. It was a true blessing to have known her. When you think of Joyce, know she is at peace with her fathers, celebrate the good memories you have of her, and know she is still walking within you.

There will be a service for Joyce at 10:30 am on Friday, July 8, 2022, at Rader-McDonald-Tidd Funeral Home located at 1355 West Main Street, West Jefferson, Ohio 43162. The service will be followed by a graveside service located in the Prairie Township Cemetery in Galloway, Ohio. Pastor Tim Rash, Jr. will be officiating the services. Fellowship and lunch will follow at Trinity United Methodist Church in Lilly Chapel, Ohio. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.