Linda Mary Ruf's Obituary
Normal0falsefalsefalseEN-USX-NONEX-NONE/* Style Definitions */table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt;mso-para-margin-top:0in;mso-para-margin-right:0in;mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt;mso-para-margin-left:0in;line-height:115%;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}Missouri MissLinda was born on January 1, 1934. She was the third born for Flossie and Leyman Tuthill of St. Louis, Missouri. Linda enjoyed life in Missouri with her sisters and attended Linville High School. She then proceeded to study at the Blair School of Music in Missouri where she continued to train her vocal talents and enrich her love of music. Music to My EarsIn the early 1950’s, Linda fell in love and married Edward Ruf. Together, they moved to Tennessee in 1961. Edward worked as a barber and deputy sheriff while Linda began her singing career. She sang back-up for many of Nashville’s stars including Faron Young and Sheb Wooley. Music always played a major role in Linda’s Life. The CaregiverLinda’s singing career was only her part-time employment. Later in life, Linda completed nursing school and worked for more than 27 years as an LPN. This line of work was a perfect fit for Linda who was a natural care-giver. Following her divorce, Linda was the sole provider and caretaker of her four children. Linda’s daughter, Jean, recalls a story that depicts Linda in a disciplinary role – totally out of her character, and thereby the source of much laughter in recollection. Apparently, Jean, as a small child, would lie down and feign death to her younger sister. Deborah, who was 2 at the time, would try in vain to wake Jean and then run into the house for her mother. After this occurred on 4 or 5 occasions, Jean was lifted off the ground by her mother and “popped on the heiny.” Even in recollection, the story humored Jean because, unless you chewed your food with your mouth open, Linda was never anything but loving. For the Love of the GameOutside of work, Linda’s passion was golf. She was a long time member of McCabe Golf Course and the Town and Country 18 Hole Women’s Association. Linda was always dressed in her golf shirts and found passion in both playing and watching the sport. She was enamored with the Golden Bear and Jack Nicklaus while also supporting Nancy Lopez and Tiger Woods. Beyond golf, Linda also enjoyed the game of bowling, a sport for which she won several trophies. Time Well --- SpentWith what little time was left, beyond work, music and golf, Linda enjoyed the company of her pets. Linda’s four-legged companions included a dog named Snoopy and a long-haired dachshund called Kinky. She also spent some time crocheting scarves and blankets; her great granddaughter Naomi has one of these heirlooms to keep in memory. In the last couple of years of her life, Linda lived with her daughter Jean. During this period, mother and daughter spent most of their time smiling, laughing and sharing many inside jokes. Life’s Legacy Linda passed away on March 23, 2011. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Ann Wiethop. She is survived by her children; Michael Ruf, Jean Whitehead, Debra Ruf, and David (Melissa) Ruf; sister, Jean (Earl) Hoffmann; grandchildren, Linda White, Kristen Ruf, Rachael Robbins, and Jackson Ruf; great grandchildren, Dalton White, Patrick Cross, and Naomi Cross; and beloved friend, Towana Harris. Linda leaves with her family the importance of trusting in God and placing faith in the Lord. The Lord let a light shine upon Linda, and she, in turn, had a smile that could light up the world.
What’s your fondest memory of Linda?
What’s a lesson you learned from Linda?
Share a story where Linda's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Linda you’ll never forget.
How did Linda make you smile?