David Herbert Ruff, age 79, of Waverly, Nebraska, died at home surrounded by his family on February 14, 2024.
David was born in Lincoln, Nebraska in March 10, 1944 to John and Lydia Ruff who moved to Waverly when David was 2 years old. David grew up and spent most all his life in Waverly where his parents owned and operated a local grocery store. David enjoyed vacationing and camping with his brother Roger and parents. David attended Waverly Elementary and High School before studying history and physical education at Wesleyan University in Lincoln. He moved to Omaha, Colorado and then back to Waverly where he was employed by National Crane. It was there, the bowling alley and on the softball field that he found his love, Linda. They married on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, 1979 at Peace Lutheran Church in Waverly.
Dave was an active member of Peace Lutheran and Faith Lutheran Church over the course of his life. He enjoyed singing in the choir and quartet, was an elder and usher, and loved being a part of a men’s Bible study.
Everyone who knew Dave knew how much he loved the Yankees. He enjoyed golfing, bowling, camping and playing sports. He valued helping with his children’s sports, loved playing cribbage, pinochle and other card games, and traveled yearly to the National Women’s Bowling Tournaments throughout the United States to cheer on Linda and her bowling team.
Dave will always be remembered for his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone who came through the door. He loved joking around and being ornery with his buddies. There are so many great stories that came from his life and we hope they will continue to be told in the coming years.
Dave had three children and five grandchildren, Earl John (EJ) who resides in Spring, Texas. Karli (and Rob Hruska, Hudson-12 and Henry-9) of Lincoln, and Erin (and Curt Meister, Emmaline-7, William-6, Annalise-3) of Plover, Wisconsin.
Preceding him in death were his parents John and Lydia Ruff, and brother Roger Ruff. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren; sister-in-law Diane Ruff (Roger) and their daughters Christie (Fernandez) and Cathy Ruff (all of Dallas,Texas); along with his Mother in Law, Delores Wollenburg (Beatrice); 13 brother and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation is planned for February 25th at 1:00 p.m.-3:00 pm at the Roper and Sons Funeral Home, 10851 N 148th Street in Waverly. The funeral will be held at Faith Lutheran Church, 8701 Adams Street in Lincoln, February 26th, at 11:00 am. Following the service, he will be buried in the family plot at Wyuka Cemetery.
Memorials to the family for future designation.
Services
Visitation
1:00 pm-3:00 pm CST
Roper & Sons Waverly Chapel
10851 N. 148th St.
Waverly, NE 68462
Funeral Service
11:00 am CST
Faith Lutheran Church
8701 Adams Street, Lincoln, NE 68507
Share a Memory or Condolence
Dear Linda and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all now. Remembering our card club in mid nineties. Playing Pinochle with our friends. Dave was a great guy! May your memories ease the next days.
– Gary & Grayce Hankins
So sorry for your loss. So glad for the times we had together. Know that Dave is at peace and smiling down at all of us. With hugs, love, prayers and sympathy.
– WLY, Jim and Mavis
I was one of Dave’s school mates all through elementary and high school. We did a lot of good things including singing and enjoying each others company. He was always fun and worked to do good. Sorry to hear of his passing. I have not seen him in years but have some good memories. Condolences to the family.
– Larry McGill
Linda & family, My sincere condolences at this sad time of the loss of David. May God Be With You All. Carol (Wollenburg) Meyer
– Carol Meyer
Linda and Family, You all are in our thoughts and prayers. David has been “family” since my Grandmother Martha Ford introduced us and warned me that he was a smart…. He touched a lot of lives and brought numerous smiles to everyone he came in contact with. Love to you all.
– Lea Ann (Ford) Smith
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