Joseph H. Ruff, Jr. age 84, passed away May 11, 2013 at the Rosebud Healthcare Center in Forsyth, Montana. Joseph was born on September 4, 1928 to Joe Ruff and Mary Heiser Ruff. On February 3, 1949, he married Lillian Anderson and they were blessed with four children.
Joe lived his entire life in Custer, Montana, where he farmed and ranched with his father and his sons. He had many passions. In his early years, sports were a big part of his life, some of which were playing baseball, basketball and officiating basketball games. Other favorite past times were water skiing performing in the band and playing ice hockey on the slough. Also at sixty years old, he took up the sport of golf, mastering the game on RARE occasions and making many fast and long-lasting friendships. Joe was also a proud and concerned citizen spending time on many boards. He served twenty-one years as the director on the Farm Credit Services board, as well as serving on the Custer School Board, Custer Congregational Church Board, FHA Board, ASCS County Committee, and being a member of the NILE.
He left behind many beloved family members. His wife, Lillian, four children, Gary (Della), Les, Vonnie (Steve) and Scott (Annett), seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, Brother James and Sister Virginia.
We will be having a visitation on Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 10:00 to 5:00 in the Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth and we would love to have you celebrate his life with us on Friday, May 17, 2013 at 11:00 am at the Custer Congregational Church. His burial will follow in the Custer Cemetery.
We would ask anyone wanting to make a donation to consider the Custer Congregational Church, Custer Senior Citizens Center or the Rosebud Healthcare Center.
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday May 16, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Reception
Following Internment
Friday May 17, 2013
Custer Congregational Church
Custer, MT 59024
Service Schedule
Visitation
10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Thursday May 16, 2013
Chapel of Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT 59327
Reception
Following Internment
Friday May 17, 2013
Custer Congregational Church
Custer, MT 59024
Share
Carol LaRose Schuetzle says
Vonnie, Steve and family sorry to hear about your Dad.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Big Hugs.
Charlie and Jane Chelberg says
Lillian and family, Charlie and I send our sympathy, prayers and hugs to you. Celebrate Joe’s life and embrace the memories….Charlie has already mentioned his playing baseball.
Know that we are thinking of you at this tough time.
Blessing to all, Charlie and Jane Chelberg
Dick and Debbie Toavs says
Lillian and family,
So sorry to hear of the passing of Joe. He was a great man and will be sorely missed. Celebrate his life and hold dear to the memories. May God comfort you all during this time. Know we are thinking of you and pryaing for strength.
Love to you all,
Dick and Debbie Toavs
J Johnson says
Dear Family and Friends of Joseph H. Ruff – Please be comforted by promises found in the Bible at this difficult time. Continue to dwell on the happy memories and fine qualities that you remember about Mr. Ruff. The Bible book of Hebrews reminds us that God does not forget all of the love and fine works shown by his servants (Heb 6:10). Please look forward to the joy of again seeing Mr. Ruff in perfect Paradise conditions as was originally provided for mankind in the Garden of Eden. Faith in these Bible promises will hopefully ease the pain of loss. Meanwhile we have the opportunity to follow Jesus’ instruction to continue to take in Bible knowledge that leads to everlasting life (John 17:3) and gives us comfort and hope.