Richard James Ruff

Richard (Dick) J. Ruff - born 2/28/36 (just missing leap year)…passed to his eternal home, on 5/14/26, and had accepted Christ Jesus as Lord & Savior while hospitalized. 

To most he was known as Dick. His inner circle affectionately called him: Dickie, Pa, Pop, Papa, Dad, ggpa, or gramps. 

He was an army vet., having served 12/07/54-11/16/57. Final rank being SP3. Received recognition as rifle marksman and good conduct award. 

It’s hard to summarize the worth, character and love for a man, not only blessed with living 90+ years, but full years. 

His most fulfilling part of his life after army discharge, was meeting the love of his life, Verna, a 7-month whirlwind romance which led to marriage on 10/24/1958. Their family expanded when they welcomed twins in 1961. After raising their family, they traveled around a bit, and eventually regularly traveled south for the winters for approximately 17 years. 

His passion from a small boy was fishing, fishing and more fishing. That desire never waned. His father-in-law taught him hunting skills. Family life enabled him to pass on his fishing passion and outdoor skills in camping, snowmobiling, and hunting. 

Despite having lived with certain health issues for most of his life, he was able to adapt and work past them. His dedication to his family was what drove him to continue his outdoor passions. He loved taking his grandchildren and great grandchildren boating and fishing. 

In the last 9-10 years or so, he got involved with making some pretty amazing wood projects that he unselfishly made and gave to family and some friends - gifts from his heart that we will cherish for years to come. 

His wit, stubbornness, smile, a big loving heart, dedication to family and desire for fishing, fishing, fishing, are what we loved most about him. 

Irreplaceable man. Our Patriarch. 

Those that pre-deceased him: Parents: Colonel Henry Ruff (1992), Clara G. (Gomer) (Ruff) Reichenberg (1968). His paternal grandparents, David Ruff (1961), Katherine (Stromberger) Ruff (1976). His wife, Verna M. (Barr) Ruff, 8/26/2017 (just before their 59th wedding anniversary), and a grandson, Nathan Ruff (2024). 

Survivors include: Son Randy (Carrie) of Potomac Valley/Bonner, Daughter Nancy (Billings), sister-in-law, Dolly (Barr) Krug (Billings). Three Brothers: Gerald/Jerry (Kathy) of Billings, Mike (Tere) of S. Carolina, Dan Reichenberg, of Washington, and a sister, Karin (Barry) [Ruff] Gilliam. Also surviving: Grandchildren-Quinesha, Kevin, and Jacob, (6) great grandchildren, and (1) great great grandchild, and many cousins, neices and nephews.

We hope all that knew him, saw what we saw. Instead of flowers, donating to your favorite charity in his name would be appreciated. He had a heart for children, and supported St. Jude’s and Shriners Hospital.