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Deborah K. Ruffolo

Mar 9, 1951 – Aug 23, 2024

Service Details

Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  A service celebrating Debbie’s life will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

Memorial Suggestions

Memorial remembrances to Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd., Pleasant Prairie, WI, 53158 would be appreciated by the Ruffolo family.

Deborah Dunlap Ruffolo passed away peacefully on August 23, 2024, with her loving family by her side.

Debbie was born in Bonne Terre, MO on March 9, 1951, a daughter of the late Thomas B.  and Paulina L. (nee: Clayton) Dunlap. A long-time resident of Kenosha, she attended Forest Park Elementary School and was a 1969 graduate of Kemper Hall.  She received her degree in fashion design from Gateway Technical College in 1971.

On November 9, 1973, she was united in marriage to John L. Ruffolo. John and Debbie were divorced in 2004.

Debbie was a woman of action, committed to family and community. She sat on many boards including Kenosha Symphony Orchestra and Kenosha Girl Scouts of America and led significant work in fundraising efforts for Kenosha Visiting Nurses.

Debbie is survived by her children, Tom (Stef) Ruffolo, Katie Ruffolo, and Matthew Ruffolo; her grandchildren, Ethan, Cole, Olivia, Joviee, and Briella Ruffolo; her sister, Paula (Dan) Mickelsen; her significant other, James M. Harmon, and her half-sister, Ann LaPlant. She was a mother to many and will be missed by the extended family forged by her unconditional love.

Along with her parents, Debbie was preceded in death by her lifelong friend, Kathy Braun.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  A service celebrating Debbie’s life will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Hospice Alliance for the comfort and care extended to Debbie in her final weeks. Memorial remembrances to Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Blvd., Pleasant Prairie, WI,53158 would be appreciated.

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Guestbook Entries

  1. Anonymous says

    August 26, 2024 at 1:15 pm

    She will be missed by so many

  2. Rick Sereno says

    August 26, 2024 at 1:16 pm

    She will be missed by so many

  3. Judy Bonofiglio says

    August 26, 2024 at 8:10 pm

    I am shocked I took care of her mom when I worked at Washington Manor. I knew her when my ex worked at Pepsi. May she RIP.

  4. Lilly & Marc Lawrence says

    August 27, 2024 at 11:21 am

    We are beyond sad at the passing of our wonderful friend Debbie. So many great memories going back to being neighbors in Forest Park. She was one-of-kind: fashionable, a caring friend , involved and a Mom who loved her kids more than anything. So hard to say goodbye. We will remember her with love always.

  5. Dennis Jantzen Yaxcaba Mexico says

    August 28, 2024 at 11:57 am

    “My sympathy to “Tommy, Katie, and Mathew. She tried to keep us out of trouble, but it was not easy. May she RIP.

  6. Angela Gemignani says

    August 28, 2024 at 2:20 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. I remember her as a devoted parent to her children when I taught at Forest Park and Katie was in my first grade class. I enjoyed visiting her at her annual sale for The Visiting Nurses. She was a delightful person and I am glad I was able to meet her. My sincere sympathy to your family.

  7. Liz Tercek says

    August 28, 2024 at 8:22 pm

    I’m sorry for your loss. When I knew her, Debbie was working tirelessly for the health and well being of the Kenosha Symphony. A job that few would have taken. I will always remember Debbie as a real go-getter, and a person to be grateful for. I am glad she was in the care of Hospice Alliance, a blessing to us all.

  8. Alyce Ausse says

    August 29, 2024 at 7:57 am

    I’m shocked to see this, I had no idea that she was ill. We worked hand in hand on several fundraisers for the Kenosha visiting nurses but I’ve only seen her a few times since. She was such a strong dedicated women to several causes but mostly her loving family. I’m so sad but will hold onto good memories. Debbie may you rest in peace.

  9. Jean Montemurro says

    August 29, 2024 at 12:04 pm

    My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of loss

  10. Leon Pascucci says

    August 31, 2024 at 12:17 pm

    Debbie was a longtime friend who I cherished. We laughed and laughed. As a classmate of sister Paula, I always told her we didn’t even KNOW her, she was sooo much older than us! She was a very early design client of my decorating business and we worked so well together. All the years at the KVNA with the other Deb, Debra Hertzberg, will never be forgotten.

    With my sympathies to her family and how she loved her children and all those in their and in her life.

    XOXO

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Thank you Brian, for carrying out Rose’s final wishes to a T. Thank you too for your compassion and thoughtfulness. Everything you did for us was perfect. Tom & Bonnie Wrixton

Tom & Bonnie Wrixton

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