Gladys Delores Ruff, a woman of profound strength, quiet spirit, and boundless love, peacefully passed away on July 15, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of devotion to her family and a life well-lived.

She loved Jesus and accepted him as her Lord and Savior at an early age. Gladys was the cherished daughter of the late Herbert Ruff and Ruby Martin Ruff. She was born in High Point, NC. Out of six children, Gladys was the youngest of three girls in a vibrant, loving household. She attended William Penn High School and later proudly achieved her high school diploma from the American School of Chicago, Illinois, demonstrating an early spark of the determination that would define her life.

Gladys was a woman of remarkable inner strength and resilience. Faced with health struggles, she remained fiercely independent, facing life’s challenges with a quiet grace that inspired everyone around her. Her gentle personality and loving nature made her a sanctuary of peace for her family and friends. A woman of many talents and passions, Gladys found great joy in the quiet moments of life. She was an avid reader, a writer, and a gifted creator who loved painting and various crafts. Music held a special place in her heart, especially gospel music. She could often be found listening to her favorite song, "Jesus is Love" by Lionel Richie, finding comfort and joy in its melody.

Above all else, Gladys cared deeply for her family; they were the absolute center of her world. Her legacy lives on through her four beautiful daughters, who were her pride and joy: Tijuana "Lynn" Brown, Dana McCluney Caudle (Spencer Caudle), Wynetta "Wendy" Denise McCluney, and Tiffany McCluney Ross (Bo Ross). She was the adored grandmother of thirteen grandchildren and the proud great-grandmother of six, each of whom inherited a piece of her loving spirit. Gladys is survived by her dear brother, Roger Ruff. She also leaves behind a host of loving nieces, nephews, extended family members, and several lifelong friends who will miss her deeply.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her two sisters, Mildred Ruff Stevenson and Betty Ruff Brown; and her two brothers, Herbert Ruff (survived by spouse Bernadine Ruff) and Robert Ruff. Gladys is now reunited with her loved ones, resting in eternal peace.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, July 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Gethsemane Baptist Church, 401 Wise Street, High Point, NC. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:30 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. Ms. Ruff may be viewed on Friday, July 24, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Phillips Funereal Service Chapel.

Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.