Cynthia Elizabeth (Wheeler) Ruffer

Ruffer, Cynthia Elizabeth (Wheeler): February 15, 1952 - January 4, 2019 | Age 66

Cyndi replaced her broken body with angel wings at 10:10 pm on January 4, 2019. Cyndi was born in North Muskegon, Michigan on February 15, 1952. She was an accomplished musician, attending high school at the Interlochen Arts Academy and later receiving both her Bachelor of Music Education and Master of Music Performance in Oboe at the University of Michigan. Cyndi performed in the Grand Rapids Symphony for many years and later taught oboe at Calvin College.

Surviving Cyndi is her husband of 45 years, Fritz, her two sons Nathan (Tricia) and Jonathan (Vanessa), and four dearly loved (and spoiled) grandchildren Benjamin, Zachary, Aaron, and Emmalynn; her siblings Jim (Anne), David, Sam (Anne), and Jonelle (Mark); sisters-in-law Carolyn Ruffer and Nancy Ruffer; many loving nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; her cousin Bill (Patti) Wheeler; and many close friends. Preceding Cyndi in death were her parents, John L. and Ella B. Wheeler.

Cyndi warmed the lives of many people through her loving and giving nature. She left her indelible mark on each life she touched, and we will dearly miss her. We love Cyndi and are confident we will see her again.

The family will hold a visitation between 2 and 8 pm at Memorial Alternatives (2432 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505) on Friday, January 25. Please see the Memorial Alternatives website for further details: https://www.memorialalternatives.com/notices/Cynthia-Ruffer. 

The family requests that those interested in sending flowers instead consider giving a donation to Spectrum Health Hospice (750 Fuller Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503 | https://give.spectrumhealth.org/hospice/donate), the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony (P.O. Box 8545, Kentwood, MI, 49518), or the Grand Rapids Ballet School (341 Ellsworth SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503 | grballet.com).

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