Mary Jane (Diller/Robinson) Ruff

Mary Jane (Diller/Robinson) Ruff, originally of Carlisle PA, passed on October 19th at 79.
She is survived by her beloved husband Dr. Joseph R. Ruff, her sister Peg Selders, her "soul sister" Betty Gray Brown, sisters-in-law Cindy and Maggie Ruff, daughters Felicia and Stephanie, son-in-law Donovan Corum, and goddaughter Meredith Brown-Anderson.
Daughter of Levi and Savilla (Diller) Robinson, she was raised by "Mother" and "Aunt Ida" Moffit, who insured she got a college degree—the first in her family. Graduating from Shippensburg Teachers College in 1957, Mary Jane embarked on a career as an elementary school teacher, but was particularly proud of her later work as a case-worker advocating for the elderly.
An out-and-proud life-long Democrat, she enjoyed needlepoint, meeting new people, and traveling. Her most memorable trips included trekking through Europe with her 13 and 6 year-old daughters and celebrating her 45th wedding anniversary in Paris again with her children in tow.
She was delighted to have visited Germany, Norway, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, several Canadian provinces as well as all but four US states. Along with taking fantastic photos, her travels alongside her husband allowed her to make life-long friends from across the country.
Emailing with friends and family about her daughters' achievements—sharing news about Stephanie's latest children's book or Felicia's job at Wagner College as well as the accomplishments of her four step-grandsons Jason, Anthony, Daniel, and Colonel Mark Anarumo and their spouses and children—became a hobby,
But her true passion was her husband of 54 years. Together they embarked on numerous adventures, including living in Pittsburgh where Joe finished his Doctorate in Medieval Literature. They then settled in Shippensburg PA, where Joe taught in the English Department of her alma mater. Whether traveling with friends, strolling together in their favorite city Amsterdam, visiting family, or sitting at home watching the Weather Channel, Mary Jane was never happier than with her "one and only love."
MJ—as she was known to her wonderful caregivers at Menno Haven's Penn Hall Nursing Center—had a generous and loving heart. But, sadly, it wasn't strong enough to keep up with her enormous energy.
She now embarks on the journey of a lifetime—reuniting with "Mother and Aunt Ida."
Friends and family will be received on Friday, October 24th from 4-6pm at Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home, 219 N Hanover St, Carlisle PA 17013.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory can be made to Franklin County 4-H Therapeutic Riding Center, 181 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, PA 17202
or Home Free Animal Shelter of NJ (from whom she adopted her cat Lily) http://www.homefreeanimalrescue.com/volunteer-donate/ .
To sign the guest book visit www.hoffmanroth.com