Otto J. Ruff
Otto James “Ott” Ruff, 85, of Star City, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 16.
He was born on May 15, 1939, in Logansport to the late Herald Francis “Hap” and Gertrude Regina (Shultz) Ruff. Otto was a proud graduate of Star City High School class of 1957. After a strong pursuit, he married the love of his life, Donna Joann White on Nov. 12, 1960, in Lafayette. Ott and Donna continued their lives in the Star City area and raised four sons, Jeff, Rick, Jim and Rob. Ott was very involved in his sons’ lives and enjoyed coaching Star City Little League and serving as a 4-H Leader. He had a legendary little league reputation and especially enjoyed showing livestock with his sons and grandchildren. He was fondly known by many as the “oldest 4-H’er in Pulaski County.”
Ott had a strong work ethic – a trait he passed on to his sons. He was employed at Dean Foods and then Wilson Foods. Later in life, Ott and Donna ran a vending route together where they encountered many new friends. He spent as much time as he could helping out on the family farm – proudly keeping track of the loads of grain for the boys.
Ott was an avid IU Basketball fan and an animal lover. He enjoyed fishing in Northern Minnesota with family and playing a contentious game of marbles. Ott savored many large bowls of ice cream over the years and even had a triple scoop cone named after him. He spent many summers competing in area antique tractor pulls (with a cigar in his mouth).
Ott was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski and longtime member of the Star City Volunteer Fire Department. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Ott was dearly loved and will be deeply missed.
Ott is survived by wife Donna Joann (White) Ruff; sons: Ricky Joseph Ruff, James Jay [Sheila] Ruff and Robert Jon [Shamay] Ruff; daughter-in-law Beth Ann Ruff-Crawford; grandsons: Jacob [Jenna] Ruff and Joshua [Hayley] Ruff, Justin [Katy] Ruff and Andrew “AJ” Ruff; granddaughters: Jennifer [Ryan] Ledford, Jami Ruff, Madison Ruff, Megan [Tyler] Denniston and Morgan [fiancé: Tyler Walker] Ruff; 11 great-grandchildren: Calvin, Brooks, D’Arcy, Hunter, Bowen, Lyla, Alayna, Logan, Rosanna, Stevie, and Happ; sister Nancy M. Ruff; brother-in-law John J. White; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by parents: Herald Francis “Hap” and Gertrude Regina (Shultz) Ruff; son Jeffrey James Ruff; sisters: Rosemary Weaver, Margery Ann Penn and Joan G. Rater; brother Harold F. “Bud” Ruff, Jr.; and brother-in-law Jerrald White.
Visitation was from 3-6 p.m., Monday, May 20, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
A Funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, May 21, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski with Rev. Dennis Faker officiating.
Burial took place at St. Joseph Cemetery West in Pulaski.
Memorial contributions may be made to Pulaski Animal Center or Warrior Youth Baseball.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
(Pulaski County Journal — May 22, 2024)