Evan Carl Ruff

Evan Carl Ruff, age 63, of Topeka, KS passed away Sunday, September 26, 2010 at Midland Care Hospice, Topeka, KS. He was born on October 10, 1946 in Clay Center, KS, the son of Dr. Carl Henry and Evelyn Wava (Cate) Ruff. He grew up in Clay Center, graduating from Clay Center High School. He attended the University of Kansas where he was on the Fencing Team. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in History from McPherson College and his Jurist Doctorate from Oklahoma City University. Evan practiced law in Oklahoma and Texas where he specialized in Oil and Gas law. While in Oklahoma, he served as city judge for Tahlequah. He later worked in respiratory therapy in Arlington, TX before turning his pastel art and photography hobbies into his profession. He was a member of the Countryside United Methodist Church and belonged to the Mensa Society. His talents and interests were varied and many, including being an avid chess and bridge player, judge for AKC dog shows, and woodworking. He loved history and the theater and was a master at bringing history to life. Evan married his high school sweetheart, Linda R. Erickson, on July 30, 1994, in Topeka. He was preceded in death by his father, Carl Ruff. In addition to his wife, Linda, he is survived by his mother, Wava Ruff; daughter, Desiree N. Ruff of Englewood, CO; step-sons, Steve R. Hood of Topeka, KS who is currently serving in Iraq and Brian L. Hood of Divide, MT; brother, Paul G. Ruff of Springfield, MO; sisters, Joan R. Ruff of Mission Woods, KS and Ellen W. Resnick of Nashville, TN; step-granddaughters, Heather Hood of Divide, MT and Aidan Hood of Topeka, KS; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends. Funeral ceremonies will be at 10 a.m., Thursday, September 30, 2010 at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, KS. A graveside ceremony will be at 3 p.m., Thursday, September 30 at the Greenwood Cemetery, Clay Center, KS. Evan will lie in state after 3 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to Midland Care Hospice of Kansas, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka, KS 66606 or to Parkinson's Disease Association of NE Kansas, PO Box 251, Topeka, KS 66601. To leave a message for the family online, please visit www.PenwellGabelTopeka.com.