Vestina Provencio Ruffin

Vestina Provencio Ruffin. March 22, 1929 – January 10, 2020, Oklahoma City. Born in Anthony, New Mexico, the 2nd of 4 daughters born to Albina and Luis Provencio. Her childhood was spent on the family farm just outside of Anthony. She attended the Loretto Academy in El Paso, Texas during the war and later attended Texas Western University (UTEP), graduating with honors and a Masters degree in Spanish in 1952. At the tender age of 22, she began a career at El Paso High, teaching Spanish. Quite the looker, male students signed up for Spanish class in droves, often mistaking her for a student. In 1953, on a blind date, she was introduced to her husband Joseph and they were married on June 19th, 1954. Our dearest mother then began the process of being the most wonderful of servants, trusting the Lord's will by embarking on a journey that took her to Japan where the first of 6 children was born. Then off to Cincinnati where 2 more children were born. Thereafter, with what she thought would be her final destination, Claremont, California, child number 4 was born. After a few years, her husband Joe decided to pursue a specialty in psychiatry. This change sent her to Oklahoma City for Joe's residency in July of 1962, where 2 more children were to follow, one in August of that year and the last being a baby girl in December of 1963; Arriving on a very hot summer day, Oklahoma was not the oasis she had left behind, but over time both she and Joe grew very fond of Oklahoma City and never looked back. Vestina and Joe were married for 57 years - their marriage was a model of love and devotion. Their union produced six children, 18 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Vestina was a wonderful mother, being the perfect complement to Joe in most every way. Her faith was exemplary and selfless, sustaining her throughout life. She was an active member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. She gave unwavering support to Joe's many varied interests and shared his love of art and music; Mother was very witty and full of great humor along with being a well-rounded sports fan. We are most grateful to mom's amazing care givers over the years. Kim, Juana, Martha, Lorena, Charlene, Christina, Ashley, and Angela. Her wonderful nurse Starla, Integris Hospice and Dr. Denise LeBlanc for her care to both of our parents. Vestina is preceded in death by her husband Joseph, sons Joe and Carlos, and Joe's wife Maria Elena. She is survived by Susan and Mykl Ruffino, Patty and Rick Ruffin, Manda and Mark Ruffin, Lisa and Bentley Edmonds and daughter-in-law, Gayle Pishkin Ruffin. Grandchildren, Julie, Andrew, Maria Belen, Michaella, William, Diana, Robert, Daniel, Joe, Montserrat, Adele, Charlotte, Reina, Aubrey, Anya, Natalie, David and JJ. Great grandchildren, Eleanor, Lucia, Theo and Wyatt.A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, January 18th, 10:30am at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 3214 N. Lake Ave., Oklahoma City. Celebration lunch to follow.