Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1924
DIED
2011
Jack Ruff Obituary
Mr. Ruff passed away Monday, Dec. 26, 2011, at his home surrounded by his family.
Born April 1, 1924, in Lima, he was a Cleveland resident before moving to Willowick in 1948, where he lived for 44 years. He had lived in Willoughby for the past 20 years.
He was a birthright member of and very active in the life of Willoughby Hills Evangelical Friends Church. Among his greatest joys in his Church life was his ministry with the youth, missions and later in life with the seniors, making friends wherever he traveled.
A World War II United States Army veteran, he was also a member of the Sheet Metal Workers Local and the Sign and Display Local 639 in Cleveland. He was an avid boater, a love which has passed down to his children, and most especially enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
Mr. Ruff was employed with the former Buddy Simon Sign Company in Cleveland for many years, working his way through the ranks to retire as general manager. He retired after 22 years with the company. His second career was serving as Pastor of Visitation for the church for more than 20 years.
He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Jean (Crow) (McConnaughy) Ruff, whom he married April 4, 1992; children, John Mark (Mary) Ruff of Fort Myers, Fla., Deborah Joy (Don) Ruminski of Chester Township, Timothy Phillip (Karen) Ruff of Madison, Daniel Thomas (Georgine) Ruff of Mentor, Lois Ann (Mike) Suba of Mentor and Thomas Andrew (Kelli) Ruff of Harpersfield Township; 22 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; brothers, Rev. Alan Dane (Sally) Ruff of Louisville and Willis Nolan (Marlene) Ruff of Eastlake; stepchildren, Wayne (Cindy) McConnaughy, Patrick McConnaughy (Karen Goodwin), Sandra (Don) Peters and Matthew McConnaughy; 11 stepgrandchildren; and 11 stepgreat-grandchildren.
His first wife, Lois E. (Shreve) Ruff, passed away Oct. 11, 1990. His parents, Willis Adeen and Mildred Dorothy (LeVeck) Ruff, are also deceased.
The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011, and 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 30, 2011, at the church. Pastor Kevin Young and the staff of Willoughby Hills Evangelical Friends Church will officiate at the service. Graveside services and interment will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, in Damascus Friends Cemetery in Damascus.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages contributions to Willoughby Hills Evangelical Friends Church, 2846 SOM Center Road, Willoughby Hills.
Arrangements are entrusted to Davis-Babcock Funeral Home in Willoughby.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack Ruff
Cindy Chilcher Kempert
December 24, 2024
One of my favorite quotes from him that I refer to frequently is "It's better to wear out than to rust out." He was not an idle man in the decades was in the same church, even after. He loved with Jesus's love. Miss him till Glory.
Dorothy Lockett
December 21, 2020
Jack was an amazing person. His love for God, his family and his many friends was unmatched. I was a young girl from small town, WV and he and Lois made me feel like one of his kids. Unconditional love!
Scott & Ellen Prileson
January 9, 2012
Big Jack was the godliest example of Christ to us. His love, encouragement, prayers, wisdom and compassion will never be forgotten. Jack never gave up on sharing Christ with the lost. He was instrumental in leading my friend's brother to Christ the day before his death.
Heaven truly rejoiced on December 26th when Saint Jack went home!
Linda Mast-Magda
January 6, 2012
My heart smiles at all my remeberances of Jack Ruff. I knew he and his family back in 1979-1980 as a youth. Through the years since his life has shone Christ to all he touched. He will be missed. I am sure many have greeted him in heaven that God allowed him to lead to Jesus. God Bless to his family
The Mele Family
January 3, 2012
We were so sorry to hear about Jack. We will always remember his love for Jesus and how he was there for us during a difficult time in our lives. Truly Jack is an example kf how a man should live his life. Pleasing God and others
Eric Adams
January 3, 2012
My condolences to the Ruff family for the passing of Big Jack. I remember him saying in one of his Sunday School classes that he was becoming homesick. Homesick to see Jesus and our heavenly Father. I'm quite sure that Big Jack is homesick no longer.
Sharon Cooper
January 2, 2012
Lois Ann and all your family,
My first memory of Jack was when he was a youth leader and drove us down to Webster Springs, WA for a week at Camp Ceaser. Kind, caring, faithful,humble ... these are just a few words to describe this wonderful man.The way he lived his life truly is the best example of how a Christian should live and serve God. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Terry Geer
January 2, 2012
Jack may have only been a man, but he learned how to be darn good at it. Cheers to an unforgetable man who continues to teach in his absence.
Diana Blizzard
December 31, 2011
Big Jack would always give dollar bills out to my children. One day Jack was sick and my son said " Lets give him a dollar". He taught love and Christ like faith every where he went. We will miss him. He was one of a kind.Our prayers go out to the family.
Gene&Matsuko Penny
December 31, 2011
Jack was a true example of living out Christ. We thank hime for all his words of encouragement and prayers for us and our family over the years. He is a hugh reason for our spritual growth. We love you and will miss you but we will meet again!
Robyn Deucher(Frye)
December 31, 2011
Dear friends and family of Jack Ruff,
I just want to say "THANK YOU" to our dear Heavenly Father for the life of my friend, Jack.
Jack was very encouraging and inspiring to my own dad and especially to me.
Jack Ruff befriended my dad when my dad was very ill. Jack and his sons took my dad out on a walleye fishing trip a few years before my dad went home to be with Jesus. It was the best day of my dad's life.
Being the visitation pastor of the Willoughby Hills Evangelical Church, he was always there for my dad.
I was very honored to have Jack give me away at my wedding, as my dad went Home to be with his Lord and Saviour.
Jack was truly VERY MUCH a friend of mine, as well as so many others.
I PRAISE MY HEAVENLY FATHER FOR JACK RUFF'S LIFE!
Robyn Deucher (Frye)
December 31, 2011
Dear family and friends...
I just want to praise our Heavenly Father for the life of our dear friend, Jack Ruff.
I will always remember, and NEVER forget him.
He was such a good friend and truly an encouragment while my dad was ill, and gave my dad one of the best days of my dad's life... taking him fishing with Jack's sons on a fabulous walleye fishing trip. It was one of the best days of my dad's life before he (my dad) went home to be with the Lord.
...also...
Jack Ruff gave me away at my wedding, because my dad is in Heaven with Jesus.
PRAISE GOD FOR JACK RUFF'S LIFE!!!
Sue George
December 30, 2011
Jack was a great example of what Jesus looks like in a person's life. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know him. It's wonderful to know his life is being celebrated in heaven now.
Cindy Kempert
December 30, 2011
Heaven is brighter with Jack's arrival :) We will miss him on earth, and rejoice in his heavenly transfer. God bless all as you say farewell for now. He was such an encouragement, a willing and available servant for every good service of His Lord. I will always remember his officiating at my father's funeral and presence at the loss of a child. God bless you, Jack Ruff. Your memory will always honor our King.
Steven, Joyce, Matt, Haley and Kirk Williams
December 30, 2011
Jack Ruff's cup overflowed with the love and joy of God and His blessings. Filled with and ready to share God's lovingkindness with whomever he met. Glad and blessed to have known him. Heaven rejoices as he is reunited with many loved ones. The Steven Williams family.
Don, Sandy, Chris, Allison Richards
December 30, 2011
Jack was always an inspiration for us. Definitely a mentor for our spiritual walk. Our prayers are with his family. We grieve, but heaven rejoices, as Jack went home to be with his Savior. Wish we could of heard the "Well done, my good & faithful servant". Now he can cheer us on, with other heavenly witnesses, to keep running with endurance the race life sets before us. Thanks, Jack, for your example.
Betty Knosalla
December 30, 2011
I can only imagine the celebration in heaven as God welcomed his faithful servant,Big Jack. My prayers are with his wonderful family.
Michele Richter
December 29, 2011
To the Ruff families, Im sorry for your loss and hope you wil be comforted by all the love and stories that people will be sharing over the next several days (and prob. weeks, months, and years)! He prayed more diligently for some of my family members then I did. What an example to me.
Duane Rice
December 29, 2011
I was blessed to serve with our brother Jack Ruff on both the Youth and Mission Boards of our denomination, and then to serve the church he loved so much as Interim pastor. When I read in the Word in John, "There was a man sent from God whose name was John..." I think of Jack Ruff. May our Lord Bless all you at this time. Duane Rice
Jeff Ziegler
December 29, 2011
Godspeed old top.
Jeff Ziegler
Tom and Kim Judge
December 29, 2011
My fondest memory of Jack was when my daughter Kaitlyn was little and in the hospital. He came to sit with me and he was so sweet. He insisted that I leave to take a walk and get something to eat. He even gave me money for lunch. And, of course, before he left, he prayed with me. I feel truly blessed to have known him and He will be very greatly missed, but never forgotten. May you all find peace and comfort in knowing that he is now in the presence of the Lord and Savior that he spent his whole life serving. Love to you all!
Mileen Keating
December 29, 2011
Tim and family, my deepest and heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Jack was a good man and touched the lives of everyone he met. His life will be alive in the memories you have in your heart.
Gail Richardson
December 29, 2011
Oh, The sweet spirit that the Lord gave Jack Ruff will be missed by your family and all of us. God bless all of you so much at this time as you say goodbye for now. We will never say goodbye in Heaven.
Gail Pierce Richardson
Gail Pierce Richardson
December 29, 2011
Jack Ruff loved the Lord and let everyone know it. He wanted ALL TO LOVE JESUS AND SERVE HIM. We wanted to be in church, partly because of Jack & Lois.
Stefanie Erickson
December 29, 2011
My sincerest sympathy to the Ruff family in this time of sadness. May the knowledge that Jack is home with the Lord comfort you.
Jack Ruff
December 29, 2011
Big Jack was a wonderful man. When I was in school he & Lois made me feel like one of their family. Big Jack was one of the most genuine godly man I have known. His sense of humor and his always present smile made me so happy. Love, Dort
Jack and Karen Munro
December 29, 2011
When I first met Big Jack -he impressed me as a kind and gentle man. When my husband met him- my Jack said "he reminds me of my father". His ministry to others was his life- not something he only did once in awhile- it was constant. He lived and breathed God all the time. He was a key person that God used in my Jack's salvation. Big Jack taught us many good things ~ his family is a living testament to his Godly life. Our condolences to all the Ruffs and Ruffettes. Looking forward to seeing him again with the other faithful saints that have gone before us.
Tina Corrao
December 29, 2011
Jack 's light shines on in each of his family members forever.love is the seed we plant inside each other, to watch over those left behind.
December 29, 2011
Thanks for leading by example.John Ruff
kathy bolek
December 29, 2011
Debby, Lois Ann, Jean and the entire Ruff family--although i didn't know Jack that well--i'll miss his gentle smile and wave on Sunday mornings--may your memories and God's love and peace continue to give you strength and comfort during this time
Kevin Dauterman
December 29, 2011
I miss you Uncle Jack. I will always remember our times. ALWAYS!
Lou & Judy Marino
December 29, 2011
To all of the Ruff Family:
Jack had more faith in each of us than we had in ourselves. He demonstrated it through the encouragement he gave to each person he met. His faith made each of us want to be more. His actions inspired us to do more for the cause of Christ and for each other. It was an honor to serve with him.
What an incredible man.
December 28, 2011
Love Everlasting...Farewell Jack
Pat, Karen and Connor
Jack & Sue Petrof
December 28, 2011
Jack will surely be missed by many. Such a wonderful man of God. We know he is present with the Lord...Hallelujah. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Ruff family.
Cheryl Adams
December 28, 2011
Dear, sweet, Jack is with his Lord & Savior now. Though my heart is sad I am so thrilled for him! I've thought of Jack often and remember the times he officiated at my Aunt's funeral as well as stayed with us in the hospital when our son Matt had knee surgery. And he always had an encouraging word and interesting stories! I pray that you all are being comforted by the Great Comforter and even while you are grieving are able to share happy memories with each other to help you at this difficult time. I'm looking forward to the day when I again can shake Jack's hand and we can rejoice together how Jesus saved our souls and brought us through!
Love to you all!
The Sheliga Family
December 28, 2011
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
sandy and steve (gant) Rieske
December 28, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jack was an amazing, amazing man. I remember him visiting me in the hospital when I was 16- he prayed for me and was such an encouragement during a scary time. He always had a smile, a hug and a kind word for me whenever I saw him. What a beautiful legacy he leaves behind. All our love
Mark & Carol Mavar
December 28, 2011
What a joy it has been to have had the privilege to know Jack Ruff! He was truly a living epistle of God and a faithful ambassador of Christ to all those he encountered in his daily life. Indeed God's inspired Word penned by Paul in Philippians 1:20-21 can be said of Big Jack as well: with boldness he magnified Christ in his body. For him, to live, indeed was Christ, and now it is his gain to be present with the Lord, face to face with Christ his Savior!! May all the extended family rejoice and take comfort in this truth. Our love and prayers continue with you all.
In Christ's love and service,
December 28, 2011
Lois Ann and family,
Condolences on your loss.
My thoughts are with you.
Connie
Frank & Linda Ferrato
December 28, 2011
Tom & Tim and the rest of your family:
We were so sorry to hear the passsing of your father.
The best gift of all is a family who is no stranger to the word of the Lord - Lord keep this family walking in your ways - now and in the future.
Paul Bodnar
December 28, 2011
Jack was a dear friend and a man of God. He lived a beautiful and blessed life.
Sneha Mannar
December 28, 2011
God's Servant has been called home.May Almighty God uphold all the family members with his grace and strength
December 28, 2011
Tom/Kelly, Tim/Karen and rest of family.. Jeff and I were so sorry to hear about your father. You come from such a strong family dynamic that we know you will a great support system with your family along with all your friends. Cherish the memories of your dad, and remember all the good times. May he rest in peace. Jeff and Marilyn Wagner.
Don Westman Family
December 27, 2011
Jack Ruff is having church like none other right now and probably heard his God and King tell him, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"
Peace and grace to the entire Ruff Family.
Daina, for us all.
Dan & Lisa Page
December 27, 2011
With gratitude to God for Big Jack ... may the comfort and peace only God can give be present with all the extended family as you grieve and give thanks at the very same time. Our loss is his gain ... "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." May God use even his physical death to bring eternal life all over the place. I am rejoicing that life, not death, has and is the final word for every believer in Jesus.
Curt Kelly
December 27, 2011
We'll all miss you BIG TIME, Jack! It has been a joy knowing you and your loved ones for these past 15 years. I know God is sharing stories with you, updating your remembrances!! We trust God is also ministering to all of the family as you cherish memories, stories, and a great deal of love. God bless.
Curt & Beth Kelly
Showing 1 - 46 of 46 results
Make a Donation
in Jack Ruff's name
Memorial Events
for Jack Ruff
How to support Jack's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Jack Ruff's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
