Deloise Jean Rufus

Deloise Jean Rufus, affectionately known as “Dee” and lovingly called “Momma Rufus”, peacefully and gracefully transitioned from this life on October 1, 2026, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She was a woman of remarkable strength, intelligence, creativity, discipline, and love whose presence touched the lives of many. 

 Deloise was born on March 20, 1951, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Jessie Rufus and Annie Lee Rufus.  In 1954, the Rufus family moved to Muskegon, Michigan. Deloise graduated from Muskegon Heights High School in 1969. She continued her education at Grand Valley State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Creative Arts. She later earned a Master of Science degree in Education from Western Michigan University. 

 Deloise devoted much of her professional life to education and the development of young people.  She was a dedicated mathematics teacher with Grand Rapids Public Schools Alternative Education, teaching at both Walbridge Academy and Pine Academy.  She possessed an exceptional mind for mathematics and had a natural ability to solve complex mathematical problems. She retired from teaching in June 2006, leaving behind a legacy of service and the countless students whose lives she influenced. 

 Beyond the classroom, Deloise was a woman of many gifts. She had a deep love for music and could read sheet music with ease. Her musical gifts became a meaningful part of her service in ministry. During her years at True Light Baptist Church, she directed the Inspirational Choir, Victory Chorus, and Mass Choir. She later became a faithful member of Lighthouse Full Life Center Church, where she sang alto in the choir, and shared her beautiful voice through numerous solos. Music was not simply something Deloise enjoyed, it was one of the ways she expressed her heart.

 Deloise was a devoted mother. Although doctors told her she would not be able to conceive children, God had a different plan. In spring of 1985, after moving into her new two-bedroom house, Deloise received news that she was with child, and the room she designated to become her work office became a nursery. On January 15, 1986, at 2:53pm, her miracle child, Keisha Ann Patterson, was born. To Keisha, she was so much more than a mother, she was her protector, teacher, counselor, best friend, and foundation. Deloise poured wisdom, discipline, strength, and unconditional love into her daughter and remained a constant source of guidance throughout her life. 

Deloise will be remembered for her intelligence, wisdom, kindness, nurturing spirit, strength, and unwavering determination. She was a woman who could be both tender and strong, who carried her family through difficult seasons and made an indelible impact on those fortunate enough to know and love her. 

She leaves to cherish her memory with her daughter, KP; her siblings, Anna B. Rufus, Anthony Rufus, and Lovell Rufus; her beloved grandpuppy, Maxwell; her best friend/sister, Ida Dennie; along with The Mayfield Family from Muskegon, MI. A host of nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family, friends, former students, church family, bonus children, and all those whose lives she touched. 

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Jessie Rufus and Annie Lee Rufus. 

Though her earthly presence will be deeply missed, Deloise’s love, wisdom, music, laughter, strength, and legacy will continue to live on through the many lives she touched.