Elvera Marie Ruff

Elvera Marie Ruff, age 87, a lifelong resident of Plainfield, IL, passed away on January 6, 2026. She was born on March 16, 1938 in Hinsdale, IL.
Elvera is survived by her loving children, Bryan (Tracy) Ruff of Aurora, IL, Shane (Charmaine) Ruff of Naples, FL, Kevin Ruff of Toluca, IL, Darrin Ruff of Aurora, IL, Christopher Ruff of Plainfield, IL, Amy (the late Jose) Ortiz of Aurora, IL, Kimberly (Gene) Reed of Montgomery, IL, Roxanne Ruff of Plainfield, IL; her cherished grandchildren, Alexa, Dean, Adam, Erron, Dan, Finnea, Gliana, Kevin, Rebecka, Melissa, Hannah, Gabriella, Kenzie, Jose, Tejandra, Jada, Jonee, Dylan, Geno, Maximus, Ricky, Ava, and great-grandchildren, Landyn, Annalyssa, Ethan, James, Ranger, Nixon, Zenleigh, AJ, Aiden, Annabelle, Mathea, Violeta, Kiara, Raelyn, Leo, Cali, Camden, Cainaan, Kamariya, Nevaeh, Cason, Adley; her dear sister-in-law, Ida Ruff.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Albert, in 2023; her great-granddaughter, Baby Girl Arellano-Ortiz; her parents, Elmer and Louise Mandel; and her sister, Lorna (the late Larry) Schultz
Elvera grew up on a farm in Plainfield, where she attended a one-room schoolhouse and proudly stood as the only girl. She was a lifelong and devoted member of Zion Lutheran Church in Naperville, a place that shaped her faith and remained close to her heart throughout her life. On November 21, 1970, she married Albert Ruff at Zion Lutheran Church, beginning a marriage rooted in love, faith, and devotion.
Elvera's family knew her as the strongest woman they had ever known. Through her quiet strength and unwavering faith, she passed on her deep Christian beliefs and strong family values to those she loved. She joyfully dedicated her time and talents to her church, serving wherever she was needed. Elvera lovingly taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years, touching countless young lives. As a faithful member of the Lutheran Women's Missionary League, she generously supported and took part in mission trips around the world, in places like Ghana and Nicaragua living out her faith through service to others. She was proud of her many accomplishments in the real estate and land development industries.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, 10:00-11:00 AM at Zion Lutheran Church, 11007 S. Book Rd., Naperville. Funeral Services will be at 11:00 AM. A time of continued fellowship and luncheon will follow. Interment will be private.
Overman-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Plainfield, was entrusted with arrangements.