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Paul Ruff Obituary
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Paul was a renowned cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon in Springfield, Missouri, for 37 years. Beloved by patients and coworkers alike for his surgical skills and kindness, his patients often stopped him to chat years after their surgeries. He was a master of puns and riddles and famously entertained friends and family with his dry one-liners.
Paul enjoyed many adventures in life including piloting various aircraft, scuba diving, and canoe trips. He was a skilled woodworker and enthusiastic skier well into his 60s. Paul traveled extensively to visit his family and see the world. His favorite place was his farm in Chadwick, Missouri, where he retired with his beloved dogs and embraced country living wholeheartedly. He famously adopted a third dog "by default" when it followed him home from the local convenience store. He was known to enjoy cold Diet Cokes, warm baked goods and extra-large buckets of popcorn.
Paul attended Clay Center Community High School in Clay Center, Kansas, the University of Kansas, and the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine. He completed his surgical residency and a fellowship in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Hospitals and Clinics. He earned the honor of Eagle Scout and was licensed to fly a plane before he could legally drive a car.
Born in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on December 5, 1943, Paul was preceded in death by his parents, Wava (Cate) Ruff and Carl Ruff, and younger brother, Evan Ruff.
He leaves behind three children: Tim (Marla) Ruff, Ben (Jennifer) Ruff and Molly (Chris) Rouse. He was a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren: Eric, Chad, Benny, Brady, Grayson, Madi and Avery. He was married for more than 50 years to Jo Ruff. He is survived by two sisters, Joan (Dennis Wilbert) Ruff and Ellen (Steve) Resnick, sister-in-law Linda Ruff, and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is being planned for Spring 2024 at King's Way United Methodist Church in Springfield, Missouri, where Paul was a member for many years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri. Tributes
condolences may be made at www.nsrfh.com.
Godspeed, Dr. Ruff. Make it S-T-A-T. Everything STAT today!
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
4 Entries
Natasha Thompson
October 2, 2024
St. John´s was my first OR experience in the mid 80´s while Dr. Ruff was perfecting his skills in the heart room. He was calm, competent, compassionate and a joy to work with. He never exhibited the God complex while many of the surgeons I´ve encountered over my 38 yr career do. I will always have fond memories of Dr. Ruff and so grateful I learned under his steady presence!!
Sorry this is so belated, I relocated out of state in 1994 and this just came to my attention. Natasha Thompson retired CRNFA
Bruce Lowry
October 1, 2024
I was a surgical technician back in the day. Dr Ruff was one of my favorite.
I knew if Dr Ruff started spelling I was in trouble lol. Word's like STAT LOL. He was a brilliant man. Thanks Dr Ruff .
Debbie Hoagland
November 4, 2023
I´m so sorry to hear of the loss of Dr. Ruff. This wonderful man saved my brother´s life THREE times. My brother (Doug Mitchell) passed away in 2010 at the age of 38. He had 4 heart surgeries during his short life and Dr. Ruff performed 3 of those, first saving Doug´s life at age 18 from an aortic aneurysm ready to burst. (Doug´s other heart surgery -the 3rd one, was done in St Louis). Dr. Ruff always had a joke or witty response to make Doug laugh. Doug´s family is forever grateful to Dr. Ruff. From Doug´s sister, Debbie Hoagland, Springfield, MO.
American Heart Association
November 3, 2023
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
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