Eugene D. "Baby G" Ward, Jr.

July 22, 1997 - April 30, 2020

UTICA - Mr. Eugene D. “Baby G” Ward, Jr. passed away on Thursday, April 30, 2020 at MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center as the result of a tragic & fatal mishap. Born in Utica on July 22, 1997, Eugene was the son of Cynthia Ruffin and Eugene Ward, Sr. He attended Utica City Schools and Little Falls Jr./Sr. High School. He was proud to receive his GED. At one time, he was a Customer Service Associate for Walmart in New Hartford, and provided lawn maintenance for those in need. He was conscientious and meticulous in performing all his jobs. Although he was reserved and private, he had a smile on his face and was always there for his loved ones. He had a unique style and personality, and he loved his mom and dad. When his mother relocated, he was left in the care of his grandmother Levinia who loved him; he later returned to live with his mom, Cynthia. He wanted to be independent, but his decisions were not always correct. A smart young man, he didn’t realize the potential of his own natural knowledge. His mom wanted him to be the best person he could be, and she preached to him often about making the right life choices. “Baby G” had a gentle, good heart, and genuinely cared about others. He was a junk food fan, and easy-prep noodles and pasta were his favorites. When his mother cooked for him, he shared his enormous plate with his friends. He enjoyed wrestling, was a fan of the game of basketball and liked rap music, especially ‘A-Boogie wit da Hoodie’. He would walk or bike to where he had to go. “Baby G”’s greatest gift was his 3-year-old daughter who graced his life. Eugene is survived by his mother, Cynthia Ruffin and step-father, Aaron Mims; his father, Eugene Sr. and Danielle Gross; and his grandfather, Peter Thompson. All of his parents shared a great love and support for “Baby G”. He also leaves his daughter, Lei’ani Samyra Rose Ward and her mother, Makaya Rose Brown with whom he shared a 3-year relationship and the bond of a beautiful little girl. He also leaves his siblings, Shuniya Ruffin and Richard Green, Robreaisa Devose, Robert Devose Jr., Roasear Ruffin, Aaron Mims Jr., Savanna Ward, and Ciara Ward; nephews, Zamarion “Guinea Pig”, Ermias “Papa Keystone”, and Sayquavion “Jiggy”; aunts and uncles, Tracy Ruffin and Frank Dixson, Jennifer Ruffin and Robert Bradley; Anita Ruffin, and Derick and Patty Ward; great-aunts and great-uncles, Anthony and Carmen Ruffin, Helen and Niel Saxe, Loretta Ruffin, and Lula B. and Lee Hervey; a host of cousins, especially Tyshawn Dixson, Randeise White, Terrick Spratt, and Eric Valesquez; his many “O-Block” friends; and Shaniece Brown, Lei’ani’s grandmother and dear family friend. He was predeceased by his maternal great-grandmother, Annie Louise (Hines) Ruffin Strickland; maternal grandparents, Percell and Ellen (Strickland) Ruffin, Jr.; paternal grandmother, Levinia M. Ward; aunts, Gladys Ruffin, and Karen Strickland; nephew, Shazear Ruffin; and cousin, Christopher Rocco Prest, Jr. The family extends their appreciation to Dr. Leo Sullivan and the staff at MVHS at St. Elizabeth Medical Center for their efforts and empathetic care. Due to the current health crisis and in keeping with federal and state regulations, Home Going services will be held privately with immediate family only. During this time of social distancing, please take a moment to connect with Eugene’s family through the “Memories” section of his obituary on our website. Our prayers go out to all as a sign of our continued support.