Teresa Ann Mullins Ruffina

Teresa Ann Mullins Ruffina age 86 of River Ridge Louisiana passed away peacefully on Wednesday November 5, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was a long-time resident of River Ridge for 63 years. Teresa was born at home in McCall Creek, Franklin County, Mississippi. Teresa’s family moved to Metairie Louisiana when she was 11 years old and attended Bridgedale Baptist church. Teresa was the oldest of 5 children. Her siblings include John Randall Mullins, Phyllis Mullins Smith, Mona Mullins Williams, and Bianca Mullins Redman. Teresa married the love of her life Charles A. Ruffina on April 12, 1958, where they shared 67 years together. Beloved mother of Atanya Ann Ruffina, Susan Celeste Ruffina, and Luke Vincent Ruffina. Teresa worked as a dental assistant for 10 years but her passion was cake design and decoration as well as being an instructor for Wilton Enterprise Inc. for 14 years where she worked until retiring in 2000. Teresa loved to cook and enjoyed having family and friends over to share a meal, especially around the holidays. Teresa loved to bowl and was on several different leagues. Teresa participated in numerous marathons in the area including 3k and 5k fun runs. Teresa loved to keep up her garden in the front yard, changing flowers for each season. At the age of 57, Teresa began Taekwondo and in 3 years had become a 2nd degree black belt and at age 60 competed for the World championship in her area and age group and won. She is preceded in death by her father James Reuben Mullins of Monroe, Franklin County, Ms. and mother Rosalie McIntyre Mullins of Lucien, Franklin County, Ms. Daughter Susan Celeste Ruffina of River Ridge, La. Sister Mona Mullins Williams of Lynchburg, Va. Brother John Randall Mullins of McCall Creek, Franklin County MS. Two nieces Kelly LaRue Mullins and Jeanne Nicole Mullins Dauzat and one nephew, James Reuben Smith. Teresa is survived by her husband Charles A. Ruffina, daughter Atanya Ann Ruffina Tankersley (husband-David), son Luke Vincent Ruffina (wife- Kristi), sisters Phyllis Mullins Smith (husband-Ronald), Bianca Mullins Redman(husband-Peter), James Williams (brother-in-law), Sandra Mullins (sister-in-law) with many nieces and nephews along with many great nieces and nephews as well. Cremation complete. A memorial to follow in 2026.

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Teresa Ann Mullins Ruffina

February 15, 1939 - November 5, 2025