Obituary for Lynn Ruffo Southerland

MRS. LYNN RUFFO SOUTHERLAND, age 77, of Macon, GA, died peacefully Wednesday, June 7, 2023, at Pine Pointe Hospice in Macon, GA. She is survived by her two sons – Wilson T. Southerland of Rochester, NY and Anthony Z. Southerland (Andrea) of Spring Hill, TN; four grandchildren – Madelyne, Zachary, Murphy, and Daniel. She also leaves behind older brother Joseph L. Ruffo and twin brother Robert A. Ruffo; sisters-in-law Judith S. Brendle and Kathy S. Paulk; nieces and nephews Deb Brown (Glenn), Rob Brendle (Maurie), Matt Paulk (Nikki), Casey Paulk (Traci), Andy Paulk, Robert Ruffo (Meghan), Stephen Ruffo (Nan), and Christi Ruffo; and numerous cousins and friends.

Lynn Ruffo Southerland was born February 21, 1946, in Emory (Atlanta), GA, daughter of the late Dr. Anthony Leonard Ruffo and Carolyn Wilson Ruffo. The family moved to Houston, TX, when Lynn was in first grade, where she had a happy childhood. At age 10, her father passed away and the family moved to Fort Valley, GA, where her mother’s family had lived for generations.

After graduating from Fort Valley High School, Lynn completed an A.B. degree in English at the University of Georgia, and later received an M.Ed. in English and Reading Specialization. She was a member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Her first teaching position was in Thomson, GA.

Middle Georgia College lured her to Cochran, where she met her soulmate Steve, whom she married in 1975; sons Wilson and Tone followed after they settled in Macon. The family home on Vista Circle was the focus of scores of memories over the years for the boys as well as their parents, both of whom were fortunate to live there until ‘old age.’

Lynn was a passionate teacher and student. She also enjoyed gardening, reading a good mystery, sketching, and writing memoir, poetry, and essays. Family history was especially important to Lynn; her earliest known ancestor in the American colonies was Thomas Gray, who came to Jamestown in the 17th century.

Lynn saw life as an adventure in learning and teaching. She held teaching positions at Thomson High School, Putnam County High School, Mercer University, and Middle Georgia Technical College, where she taught English and Reading for 24 years and served as the General Education Division Chair. She sought to emulate Andy Griffith’s win-win management style. Her favorite student evaluation comment: “I have never seen anyone get so excited about prepositions!”

Lynn was an elder at Northminster Presbyterian Church, where she was involved in Christian Education for decades. She was an inspiration to many in her leadership roles, which included president and founding member of the Community Service Guild of Macon and regent and third-generation member of the Governor Treutlen chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. A Master Gardener, Lynn loved digging in the dirt and witnessing the unending wonders of God’s creation. Her greatest joy was sharing the wonders of the world with her grandchildren.

A joint service celebrating the life of Lynn and Steve Southerland will be held at Northminster Presbyterian Church in Macon, GA, on Saturday, August 26, at 11:00am, with Dr. Ralph Hawkins officiating. There will be a light reception immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Northminster Presbyterian Church, Macon, GA where Lynn learned, lived, led, and served for much of her spiritual journey.