Mrs. Louise Ruff Tatum's life journey began on July 6, 1936, in Belden, Mississippi. She was the baby of seven children, born to the late John Anthony Ruff and Ossie Ruff. Her life's journey came to an end at 11:34 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

The birth name given to her by her parents was Lottie Louise Ruff, but due to poor record-keeping for little Black children during those times, "Lottie" was left off her birth certificate.

She confessed her hope in Christ as a child and continued to keep her faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, throughout her life.

She married the love of her life, Mr. Lonnie Terry Tatum, on February 27, 1976. To this union, she brought three children: Bernard Douglas, Millicent Ruff, and Julius Douglas. He brought three children: Jackie Tatum, Lynn Tatum Jordan, and Ken Tatum. Together, the two lovebirds added two more children to the family: Sharron Douglas, Lonnie Ruff, Bennie Douglas, and Gerard Tatum. Their union lasted until his passing on December 15, 1999.

She worked hard to raise her children. Having very little education, she worked the fields from sunup to sundown. She had a great love for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Mother Louise was a woman who wore many hats. One was her "Mother Hat," as she did her very best to raise and care for her children. Hat number two was her "Fishing Hat." Her third hat was her "Life of the Party Hat." She always had a way of making family gatherings fun and full of love. Her fourth hat was being a wonderful cook. She made the best tea cakes in the world — true story.

She enjoyed spending time with her two best friends, her sister, Mrs. Quilla Mae Robinson, and her sister-in-law, Mrs. Lila Ruff, along with a special friend, JoElla Williams.

Preceding her in death were her parents, John and Ossie Ruff; her husband, Lonnie Tatum; two sons, Bernard Douglas and Gerard Tatum; two stepchildren, Ms. Jackie Tatum and Ken Tatum; five brothers, John Sam Ruff, Cornelius Ruff, Ruben Ruff, Robert Ruff, and Price Ruff; and one sister, Quilla Robinson.

Her memories will live on through her five children:

Millicent (Pastor Thomas) Wilson
of Holly Springs, Mississippi

Sharron Douglas of Kennett, Missouri

Julius Douglas of Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Lonnie Ruff (Terra) of Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Bennie Douglas of Poplar Bluff, Missouri

Her legacy will continue through her 12 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral Services were held at 11:00 a.m. at the Cedar St. Missionary Baptist Church in Hayti, with Pastor Darion Thoms and Pastor Thomas Wilson officiating. Burial was in Evergreen Cemetery in Hayti.