David A. Ruff Sr., 85, of Plymouth, passed away on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, surrounded by his family, after a tough battle with cancer. David was born on August 11, 1939 to John F. and Mildred C. (Marsh) Ruff in Plymouth, Indiana.
Being raised on a farm with daily chores instilled a very strong work ethic and a love for farming. He continued farming part time for about 60 years, sometimes up to 800 acres.
Immediately after graduating from West High School in 1957, he continued his education by attending a Linotype School in English, Indiana. He worked nights for a printer in Fowler, Indiana until he decided to enlist in the Army in November of 1957. He served for six years in both active duty and reserves.
He married his high school sweetheart, Alice Marie Newberg and recently celebrated their 67th Anniversary. Together they raised three children. David Jr, Dawn, and Douglas.
After his round of active duty, he started his printing career at the Culver Citizen Newspaper, Bourbon News Mirror, Town & Country Press and Indiana Press. In 1982 he and his high school friend, Don Towle, decided to become partners and buy Bowen Printing. During the next 43 years he enjoyed the hum of the presses, the ink on his hands, and the customers that became friends.
To round out his love of farming he also became a Director/Agent of Farmers Mutual Insurance Company later becoming Secretary/Manager for 30 years. He was still an Agent until his death.
David served as a member of the Plymouth School Board for four years. He also was a member of the Moose Lodge and the American Legion.
David is survived by his wife, Alice; son, David Ruff Jr.; and daughter, Dawn (Alan) Smith. Also surviving are his sisters, Carol Brizzolara, Plymouth; Janice (Michael) Hall, Franklin, IN; and sister-in-law Sandy Ruff, Plymouth. Grandchildren: Blake Ruff, Westfield, IN; Trenton (Eva) Ruff, San Diego, CA; Jeremy (Sara) Hooker, Indianapolis; Michael (Katie) Hooker, Carmel, IN; Sydney Ruff, Indianapolis. Great-grandchildren: Parker, Madison, and Lucas Ruff; Maeve, Graham, Landry, Hutch, and Beau Hooker.
He was proceeded in death by his son, Douglas; parents, John and Mildred Ruff; brother, John Ruff Jr.; and sister, Patricia Beatty.
Visitation will be held on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 4:30-7:00 p.m. at the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan Street, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home, with Lay Minister Scott Drake officiating.
Burial will take place in the New Oak Hill Cemetery, Plymouth, with military honors conducted by the U.S. Army Funeral Honor Guard and the Am. Legion Post #27.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Farmers Mutual Insurance / Ruff Family Memorial Scholarship Fund c/o Marshall County Community Foundation, PO Box 716, Plymouth, IN 46563 or the Cancer Association of Marshall County, PO Box 895, Plymouth, IN 46563.
Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be left for the family at www.johnson-danielson.com
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