Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Charles Ruff Obituary
Chuck was born May 25, 1951, to Charles W. "Bill" Ruff II and Georgie Ruff, in Reno, NV. and passed on, on Oct. 14, 2011 in San Francisco, CA, where his passion for music, during the "Summer of Love", was truly developed.
Proceeded in death by his son, Charles W. "Chad" Ruff IV, father Charles W. "Bill" Ruff II, sister Merri Ruff, and his grand-parents. He is survived by mother Georgie Ruff, Moni Ruff-Krebs 'the Love of His Life' , sons Dustin (Hilary) Ruff and Damian Ruff, and two grandchildren Maddox and Ione. Also survived by, brothers Lee (Lori) Ruff, and Scott (Carol) Ruff, sister Carol (Jay) Dargert, and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and countless friends.
Chuck started his career at twelve years old. He was in many garage bands including, Wheatstraw Blewgrass (his "rock heroes") which he joined in 1967. At sixteen he moved to San Francisco to rebel and perfect his craft. He went on to join the Edgar Winter Group in 1972 and in 1977 joined Sammy Hagar. He also formed the Chuck Ruff Group in 1975. Chuck's most noted artistry was his drum solo in the song "Frankenstein" on the album 'They Only Come Out at Night' by the Edgar Winter Group that went on to be a number one hit.
A Celebration of Life is planned for family and close friends, for more information call the family. In lieu of flowers the family requested that you sign up to become an organ donor. Monetary donations can be made to California Pacific Medical Center Foundation. For information go to www.cpmc.org/giving.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Ruff
Bob Chester
May 18, 2023
To The Ruff Family:
I didn't know Chuck personally, however, he was an inspiration to me, as a young drummer in the late 70's. His drumming leaves a legacy for all drummers in the generations to come. Thank you Chuck for the great drumming. Rest in peace.
Fredericka Wertella Riedel
July 22, 2022
Bob & I always enjoyed hearing you play, running into you out n about in Reno, one of the nicest people I´ve met, please say hi to Bob for me.
Alax Portilo
October 20, 2020
A very good drummer with a much identifiable style. I remember a quote from Edgar about Chuck: "Chuck is a joy on the road". That always intrigued me. I was a big fan of Edgar since his days in that super band White Trash.
Jeri Maser
November 12, 2011
My sincere condolences to all friends and family, especially to you Moni. His legacy will live on...
stephen charles
November 3, 2011
My condolences go out to you and your family,,twice in my life i saw chuck perform, in his prime day. once at T=-car speedway way back in the 70s, then again ona Nevada Day with Ferlong... Anyway. I still listen to his drummes,, he Is great.. I 'm also a good friend we carole and scott ,,so just won'ted you to know this missage very sincere..thx stephen charles,, cc nev..
Greg Golden
November 1, 2011
Chuck was the world's best drummer and the world's best friend. He loved his family, friends, and his passion for music was unmatched. I will always love Chuck and never forget all the great times we shared. My sincere love to Moni and the rest of his family and friends. Chuck was my brother and will be missed.
Debra George
October 31, 2011
Chuck was a friend of my husband (Richard Whitt)sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers are with you and your family.
Chris Williams
October 28, 2011
May the God of all comfort grant your family peace at this time. ( 1 Cor. 1:3,4)
Sheila Locklear
October 28, 2011
My condolences to the family and all of those who were a part of Chucks life. Its sad to read an obit & realize you know this person by a member of the family. Carol, I'm so sorry for your loss-take care of yourself,& if you need to talk-email me & I'll call you, or give you my number ok? Love u lots-Sheila (Debbies lil sister). [email protected](my email)
Rick Pike
October 28, 2011
Chuck rescued me from the tombs of Los Angeles. (I was building the tombs). I was at the worst point in my life and I get this phone call. It's Chuckie and he's asking me to come up and join his band in Reno. Probably saved my life but he didn't know it. Maybe he does now.
Alan Hopper
October 27, 2011
Chuck Ruff was one of the nicest Renoites I ever met. I was younger, and I would hire The Chuck Ruff Group to play at University of Nevada events in the 1980s.
He was a full-blown rock star having played with Edgar Winter Group and Sammy Hagar. But when I hired his band to play at UNR, he was just a really nice person from Reno.
I will never forget him. He set an example for me to "never be bigger than your briches."
What a great guy! I will miss his sense of humor most. He was such a funny guy to be around.
And, no matter what group I ever saw him in, he was always a great drummer who handled himself like a complete pro. Darn, I wish I could have said all this to him while he was alive.
October 27, 2011
my life is better because you were my friend, chuck. you touched alot of souls, and i miss you, love, k
Ellen Noble
October 27, 2011
Chuck was a bandmate and best friend to my husband for over 20 years. He was also a great friend to me and my two daughters. He really embraced the whole family and treated us like part of his. We will miss him everyday.
Matthew Kendig
October 27, 2011
Had the privlige of sharing a table with Chuck at his son's wedding. The man could work a room like nobody's business. Didn't know him well, but didn't need to. You know a good man when you meet one. Take your place among the Immortals, Sir.
chalklet lamar
October 26, 2011
Chuck you were a very good friend, I'll miss you and all the green woman that we laugh together about.may miss.T and you are in heaven . and a party together . love ya bro
Mark Savage
October 26, 2011
Chuck was the best and a "knock off the old block" of his talented dad, Bill. He will be sorely missed. Rock On Chuck.
Vickie Andres
October 26, 2011
A wonderful, great and talented man. It's an honor to have known him.... God bless you Chuck.
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
Make a Donation
in Charles Ruff's name
Memorial Events
for Charles Ruff
How to support Charles's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
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 moreResources to help you cope with loss
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 more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Charles 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
