Otto James “Ott” Ruff, 85, of Star City, passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
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 November 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:
Donna Joann [White] Ruff, Wife
Ricky Joseph Ruff, Son
James Jay (Sheila) Ruff, Son
Robert Jon (Shamay) Ruff, Son
Beth Ann Ruff-Crawford, Daughter-in-law
Jacob (Jenna) Ruff, Grandson
Joshua (Hayley) Ruff, Grandson
Jennifer (Ryan) Ledford, Granddaughter
Justin (Katy) Ruff, Grandson
Jami Ruff, Granddaughter
Madison Ruff, Granddaughter
Andrew “AJ” Ruff, Grandson
Megan (Tyler) Denniston, Granddaughter
Morgan (fiancé: Tyler Walker) Ruff, Granddaughter
11 Great Grandchildren: Calvin, Brooks, D’Arcy, Hunter, Bowen, Lyla, Alayna, Logan, Rosanna, Stevie, and Happ
Nancy M. Ruff, Sister
John J. White, Brother-in-law
Many Nieces and Nephews
He was preceded in death by:
Herald Francis “Hap” and Gertrude Regina [Shultz] Ruff, Parents
Jeffrey James Ruff, Son
Rosemary Weaver, Sister
Margery Ann Penn, Sister
Harold F. “Bud” Ruff, Jr., Brother
Joan G. Rater, Sister
Jerrald White, Brother-in-law
Visitation will be from 3-6 PM EDT Monday, May 20, 2024 at Frain Mortuary in Winamac.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM EDT Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Pulaski with Rev. Dennis Faker officiating.
Burial will take 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.
