Vernon L. Ruff

Vernon L. Ruff, 80, Bismarck, ND, died Friday June 16, 2006 at the Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center in Bismarck, ND.

Vernon was born June 26, 1925 at Lehr, ND, the son of Louie B. Ruff and Emma (Weixel) Ruff. He graduated from the Lehr High School. He taught school in the #8 Lehr School District.

He and Florence D. Hehr were married June 30, 1946. They made their home in Lehr where in August of 1947 he became a Standard Oil Agent which he did for 28 ½ years. Then he became a Standard Oil Jobber which lasted about 10 years. In 1980 they moved to Bismarck for their retirement. He joined the YMCA Senior Center and Germans From Russia. Florence passed away in 1990. He and Edith Parkes were married on July 8, 1991 they made their home in Bismarck where they have resided.

Vern was member of the Lehr Fire Dept Fire for 37 years served as Chief for 25 years, charter member of the Central Dakota Bank and President for 1 year, charter member and 1st President of the Lehr Lions Club, City Treasurer, charter member of the Wishek Eagles Club. Vernon joined the Masons in 1980 and became a Shriner the same year. He also is an El Zagel Temple member and Scottish Rite. He was an avid bowler and loved to golf and enjoyed dancing.

Surviving are his wife Edith, Bismarck, ND, two sons Garnes Ruff, Bismarck, ND, Scott (Donna) Ruff, Dickinson, ND, four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, 1 sister, Verna (Ben) Flaig, Missoula, MT, Ervin (Mary) Ruff, Kalispell, MT, 3 step-sons, Larry (Mary) Parkes, Minneapolis, MN, Rick (Kathy) Parkes, Mandan, ND, Tom (Lisa) Parkes, Las Vegas, NV and 5 step grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his 1st wife, 2 brothers and 1 sister.

Funeral Service will be at 10:00 AM Tuesday June 20, 2006 in the Calvary United Methodist Church in Bismarck, ND with Rev. Joel Winckler, pastor officiating. Interment will be made in the Lehr City Cemetery at 2:00 PM Tuesday. Visitation 1 hour before service at the Church. Memorial to: Shriners Hospital - Minneapolis,MN and Calvary United Methodist Church in Bismarck, ND.