Dorothy "Dottie" Woods Ruoff

It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our amazing mother, Dorothy Woods Ruoff, who on Saturday July 5th, 2025 at the age of 88 left this world surrounded by her loving children. Her life was filled with 59 years of marriage to the love of her life, Philip C Ruoff, who preceded her in death, her undying love and devotion to her family and friends, and a true zest for life.

Dorothy, Dot, Dottie, or her favorite moniker, “Grandma Dottie,” was born on October 20, 1936 in Chandler, AZ. As a true child of the American Southwest, she was fiercely proud of the fact that she was a 3rd generation Arizonan, and a member of one of the founding families of Chandler, AZ.

After attending Chandler High School, Dorothy headed “East” to attend Loretto Heights College in Denver, graduating in 1958 with a BS in Biology. There she met Philip, beginning a love affair that would last her entire life. Dorothy and Philip settled in Phoenix, AZ after marrying, where they raised their family, and were members of St Francis Xavier Parish for over 30 years. The Ruoff home was always open to anyone passing by looking for a good meal, a good drink, a good story, or all of the above.

After they retired, Dorothy and Philip moved back to Chandler where she began the second half of her life, devoting her time and passion to preserving the history of her beloved city of Chandler. Whether it was serving on multiple boards including the Chandler Historical Society and the Chandler Education Foundation, planning the Pioneer Luncheons, working with the City of Chandler to implement the CHS All Class Reunions, building the corner “Pocket Park” on Chandler Blvd and Arizona Ave, or spearheading the National Historic overlay for her neighborhood, she did it all with grace, determination, and a passion for instilling the history of Chandler in all those with whom she came in contact.

Dorothy was known to all for her amazing storytelling, drawing all generations to the room to join in on the laughter that soon followed. Dorothy always had an infectious laugh, a twinkle in her eye, and a history “lesson” to give. Her unique compassion and endless love made everyone she touched feel immediately better. She made it her lifelong purpose to always look for the best in others.

Not only was she the historic matriarch of her Chandler community, she was the beloved matriarch of the entire Ruoff Family and she will leave us all with the unforgettable memory of her love.

Dorothy is survived by her loving family: her sister Ellen Hogan and children Roch (Pam), Maria (Brian) Paulsen, Monica (Chris) Kosvic, Erik (Kirby), and William (Katie). “Grandma Dottie” will be dearly missed by her loving grandchildren: Marcia (Joseph) Romero, Philip, Andrew and John Ruoff; Alex, Thomas and Patrick (Sabrina) Paulsen; Benjamin (Grace) and Henry Kosvic; Ryan and Scott Ruoff; Michael, Maggie, and Monica Ruoff; and great-grandson Jack Mason Romero.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 22nd, at 3:00 PM, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 N. Central Ave, Phoenix, followed immediately by a reception to celebrate her life at Anderson Hall, adjacent to the church. As we all know, Dottie’s greatest talent was storytelling and laughter, so please come prepared to laugh and reminisce as we share old and new stories together!

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made in her name to Canyon Hospice, 1410 W Guadalupe Road, Suite 109 Gilbert, AZ 85233, who lovingly cared for our mom during the last years of her life.