Ella Ruffalo
Friday, August 12, 1910
Date of Death:
Monday, February 20, 2012
Age:
101 years old
Friday, August 12, 1910
Date of Death:
Monday, February 20, 2012
Age:
101 years old
Friday, August 12, 1910
Date of Death:
Monday, February 20, 2012
Age:
101 years old
Ella Ruffalo
Ella (Sartori) Ruffalo passed away at the age of 101 in Chatfield Chosen Valley Care Center on February 20, 2012.
Ella was born in Kenosha, Wisconsin on August 12, 1910. She graduated from High School in 1927. On September 1, 1930 she married Louis Ruffalo. They then moved to Aurora, Illinois and presided there until 1952, when the family moved to Rochester, Minnesota and purchased the Victory Café located on 2nd Street SW across the street from St. Marys hospital. Louis and Ella operated that restaurant until 1970. Her husband Louis passed away in 1972. In 1973 she re-entered the work world after enjoying only two years of retirement. She worked for her son, Carl Louis at Ruffalo Drug for 30 years until the age of 92. Ella enjoyed entertaining her family and friend on holidays, birthdays, and all special occasions. In fact everyday of her life was a celebration. She loved decorating, sewing, knitting, shopping, going out for meals with family and friends. She religiously logged in her journal everyday from the age of 20. She traveled extensively to Europe, California, New Orleans, Louisiana and many other states. She was a lifelong member of St. Francis Catholic Church and worked tirelessly for the St. Francis Cabrini Club.
Ella is survived by her son Carl Ruffalo and his wife Muriel and their five children who all reside in Rochester and her daughter Carol Ruffalo Brunett and her four children who reside in Southern California. She is also survived by thirteen great grand children.
A funeral Mass will be held on March 17, 2012 at River Park Chapel, Macken Funeral Home at 11:30am with Rev. Paul E. Nelson officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery in Rochester.
The family requests memorials be sent to the charity of donor’s choice.
Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com
Condolences
The family of Ella Ruffalo has received the following condolences.
Ella has brightened many staff members, visitors and residents lives at CVCC. Her smile and sense of humor will be missed by all. Since Ella passed away things haven't quite been the same in the halls. She will be missed for years to come. Thank you for allowing us to care for her, she is truly special and will hold a special place in my heart.
I met Ella when my mother moved into the care center in October, 2011. I always stoped to talk to Ella when I came to see my mother and we had a short visit. She became someone I looked forward to seeing twice a week. She always seemed pleased to see me and it just made my day to see her. I enjoyed her so much and was saddened when she passed. I miss her and will remember for a long while how she made me smile. Thanks, Ella
Ella was my Mom and Dad's neighbor for many years. I remember the wonderful meal she provided for our family when my Dad died in 1978. She was a true NEIGHBOR, in every sense of the word. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. Bob and Mary Haugen
All of us who go every month to Madonna Meadows to sing, and remember Ella very well, will miss her!
She was a beautiful woman, and I enjoyed talking in Italian with her.
Sebastian.
Just read in the paper of Ella's death. In my 12 years in living in Rochester, she is the only worker at a store that stands out to me. In the days when we got film developed, I would take lots in the Ruffalo Drug. She knew my name when I walked through the door, would fill out the paperwork and say, now I remember that you'll want Matte Finish. I had no idea how old she was in the early 00's, but so enjoyed her spunkiness and enthusiasm and helpfulness. Wish that she could train many young workers in how to create an atmosphere where customers want to come into the store just because she'd be there.
What a wonderful lady to of known and worked with.Will be missed by all.
Carl and Muriel,,
I have great memoriesof Ella teaching me to speak Italian for "Most Happy fella" and with a
orthern Italian accent...........Special Memories!!!!!!!
Bob, Lucy
Dear Ruffalo family,
So sorry to hear of your loss. Ella was such a wonderful woman that lived a good life. She always made me laugh with the things she would say. The world's loss is Heaven's gain. Always remember the good times. They are what will get you through.
Cara
What a wonderful lady has gone to meet her maker, has great memories of her working. She had a great life and a wonderful family.
Evonne Kruger 67094 149 Ave. Wabasha, Mn.
Ruffalo Family,
I am sorry for your loss. Ella was such a great lady. I learned many lessons from her while working at the drug store. I am filled with many fond and funny memories from the time I spent with her. This world was blessed to have her for 101 years. It is a wonderful and peaceful thing to know she is now resting in peace with her creator. You are all in my thoughts and prayers thru this time of transition. God Bless,
Darcy (Dingfelder) Petersen and family
I cared for Ella at CVCC for 3 years. I am currently in college in Wisconsin, and just heard of her passing. I am so sorry for your loss. Ella would make my day every time I came into work. We shared many laughs and stories..She will be missed
Muriel and Carl,
Sorry to hear of Ella's passing..She had a nice long life.
Sincerely Jane