TOPEKA — Ruffin Blake McDaniel, Topeka, died Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021, at home, surrounded by loved ones, following a courageous fight against cancer. Throughout it all, he never lost hope or his humor. He was 57.
He was born July 8, 1964, to James and Shirley McDaniel.
Ruffin graduated from Lyndon High School in 1983, and attended the University of Kansas before graduating from Washburn University. In November 2018, he was engaged to Shelley Jensen.
He lived life to the fullest, spending his time with family and friends, cheering on the Jayhawks and Royals, photographing nature, and chasing any big storm he could find.
Ruffin was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley.
He is survived by his father, James; his fiancée, Shelley, and her children, Taygen Jensen, Bryce Stallons and Adison Breshears; and his siblings, Darin McDaniel, Tobin McDaniel, and Reghan Cloudman (John). He was a loving uncle to his nephews, Logan and Rhett McDaniel, and his niece, Paige Cloudman.
Ruffin’s family would like to thank everyone who has provided love and support throughout his life, truly making it one worth living. His love and laughter touched so many, and he will be forever missed.
A celebration of life service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, at Willows Bend, Carbondale (WillowsBendWedding.com). Per Ruffin’s request, guests are asked to wear Kansas Jayhawk attire or red and blue. Burial will follow at the Lyndon Cemetery. Ruffin will lie in state from 4 to 6 p.m., and the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, at Feltner Funeral Home, Lyndon.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Ruffin McDaniel Memorial Fund (for a scholarship for Taygen Jensen) and sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Ave., Lyndon, KS 66451.
Online condolences may be left at FeltnerFuneralHome.com.
