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Robert (Bob) Rhienhold Ruff of Sturgis, SD passed away at the age of 92 on September 24, 2025. Bob was born July 8, 1933 at home near Nisland, SD to Dave and Lillie (Meyer) Ruff. He attended grade school in Nisland, graduated from Vale High School in 1951 and then spent time attending Black Hills Teachers College.
On March 14, 1958, Bob married Carolyn Faye Edwards, where they began a very successful farming operation in Butte County raising sugar beets. On September 27, 1962 the couple was blessed with the birth of their son, Robert Joel Ruff.
Upon the 1965 closure of the U & I Sugar Beet factory in Belle Fourche, Bob quickly shifted gears and became a livestock and farming manager. He again found success in the feeding of sheep and cattle while continuing to raise crops until his retirement in 1994.
After retirement, he and Carolyn moved to Meade County where they built a new home and workshop. Here Bob kept busy with numerous interests. Although farming was Bob’s occupation, he had several hobbies and passions. One such passion was watching all kinds of sports, whether at home, on TV or in person, Bob enjoyed watching his son and nephews compete. Rob competed in high school sports in Newell, SD as well as ran track and hurdles in college at the School of Mines, Rapid City, SD. Bob was always Rob’s #1 fan. It was with great sadness when they lost their son, Rob at the age of 39 of Multiple Myeloma, but their faith, family and friends were a source of comfort.
Bob was known for his meticulous care of this workshop, tractors and machinery. He loved attending local auctions and finding all kinds of treasures. He especially enjoyed working on Carolyn’s suggestion for finding useful tools to make life easier for her. Bob and Carolyn were a great husband and wife farming team. Over the years, they enjoyed many hours working together on farm projects.
Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cards with his friends. He also like to work in his shop welding and repairing things for others. He especially enjoyed casting a line with his brother, David. Bob loved all kinds of card games, but a game of cribbage with Carolyn was always a favorite. Interestingly enough, Bob never received a 29, but Carolyn was in receipt of two!
Bob was a well-respected man of the Vale community. He proudly served on numerous local boards and held many leadership positions throughout Vale and the surrounding area. He was very proud to claim that his father, Dave Ruff and father-in-law to be, Vernon Edwards were two of the founders of the Vale Lutheran Church where he and his family were confirmed. Upon his death, Bob had recently become a member of the Grace Lutheran Church in Sturgis, SD.
Bob is survived by his wife of 67 years, Carolyn (Edwards) Ruff; brothers, David (Marian) Ruff and John (Pat) Ruff; sister, Dolores Moore; and sister-in-law, Charlotte Pauley.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Dave and Lillie Ruff; son, Rob Ruff; sister, Helen Erk; and brothers-n-law, Don Moore, George Erk, Orville Edwards and Dale E. Pauley.
The family would like to extend a special thank-you to the Spearfish Canyon Healthcare and Stillwater Hospice for their kind and generous care.
A memorial has been established to Grace Lutheran Church and the Vale Cemetery.
Please join the family for a luncheon at the Vale Community Hall following the burial.
“Thank-you God, for a lifetime with a wonderful family and so many good friends.” – Robert Ruff
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Legacy
Robert R. Ruff
July 8, 1933 – September 24, 2025
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