Gloria M Palmer Ruff

GLORIA would want you to know that her work here is done. She received an offer she couldn't refuse, for an appointment from which she will not be returning. This assignment comes with a reunion with family and friends that preceded her. Her new mission has taken her to a peaceful and wonderful place. Gloria's story started on May 21st, 1932 in Gloucester, VA, the only child of Alvin and Helen Palmer. Born in the midst of the Great Depression, she lived a very modest life as a youth. Her young years she spent back and forth between Baltimore and Virginia as her parents sought work. Because of this, she completed some of her early education in Baltimore but she graduated from Gloucester High School in 1948. Looking to new horizons Gloria set off to Florida to begin her undergraduate studies at Florida A & M for nursing. Her adventure then led her to New York where she worked as a nurse aide at Bellevue Hospital in Brooklyn. Gloria later returned to Gloucester VA, where she reconnected with the love of her life, Rufus Calvert Ruff and they were married on December 23rd, 1955. From that union two daughters were born: Stephanie Yvonne and Michele Dionne. The couple made their home in Baltimore. Gloria then began her career as a Baltimore City Public School teacher where she was later promoted to a librarian. Her hard work and calm demeanor in both fields led her to be one of the few chosen to help integrate the Baltimore City Schools System in the 1960's. Gloria then embarked on a successful career at the University of Maryland Medical School. She eventually became the head of the Health Sciences Library for the UM Medical School. There she completed her career in library sciences. Once she retired in 1989, she enjoyed spending time with her grand and great grandchildren. Socializing with family and friends was also a highlight of her retired years. Her extra time she filled by working as a part time nurse's aide taking her full circle to her undergraduate education. Gloria was a faithful member of Bethel A.M.E. Church for decades until 2017 when her health began to decline. She lived a full life and experienced many things in her lifetime. Gloria reached the beautiful age of 87 and according to God's word, "the days of our years are threescore and ten; and if by reason of strength they would be fourscore years, yet is their strength labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off and we fly away"...Psalm 90:10 Gloria was preceded in death by her daughter Stephanie Y. Ruff and her husband Rufus C. Ruff. Her beautiful life will forever be remembered by those who remain. She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving and devoted daughter, Michele Harris; son-in-law, Vandelle Harris, Sr.; 7 grandchildren, Corey, Brent, Arielle (Jami), Calvert James (Kaley), Sariah, Vandell Jr. and Quindell; 10 great grandchildren, Talib, Jaylin, Amiri, Nasir, Khairo, Mia, Luciano, Harlem, Sa'Riyah, and Tyson; 3 devoted nieces, Cynthia, Sabre, and Tracey; 2 devoted nephews, Kevin and Nelson; 3 great nieces: Amber, Kacey, and Kirsten; 1 great nephew, Isaiah; loving cousins, Mary, and Edith; dedicated friends, Louise, Adelaide, Tina Barbara, Niecey and Angie. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all who knew her.

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Gloria M Palmer Ruff

May 21, 1932 - November 23, 2019