Raymond David Ruff

Newton, Kansas

Raymond David (Ike) Ruff, died on April 3, 2008. He was born on June 19, 1923, to David and Mary Elizabeth (Weinmeister) Ruff at Newton, Kansas. Ike graduated from Newton High School in May 1943.

He joined the United States Marine Corps, May 27, 1943. He was a member of Platoon 475 while recruit training at San Diego, California. Ike served at Camp Miramar. He was transferred to El Toro, California and assigned to Mag 41 Operations. Later, he was transferred overseas at Okinawa to Mag 33 and 14. He returned to the states in February of 1946.

Ike married Gladys Oblander in Newton, on December 12, 1947.

He began his career with Southwestern Bell in July 23, 1946. His area of work covered southern Kansas. He relocated to the Newton community in an installer repairman. Being in the Marines Inactive Reserves as Staff Sergeant, he was recalled in March 19, 1951 to Camp Pendleton, Oceanside, California. After four weeks of training he was assigned to the line company, training troops for combat duty in Korea. Ike was transferred to Second training battalion at Tent Camp # 2 and assigned as Seagent in charge of building tents for 2nd Training Battalion. Later he was transferred to Bridgeport, California cold weather camp at Picklemeadows, high in the Sierra Mountains for communications duties. Ike was honorably discharged on March 7, 1952.

In 1956, Ike attended # 5 Crossbar school in Lawrence, Kansas for 22 weeks to become a Switchman in the Central Office in Newton, Kansas. He remained in the Newton office until his retirement on October 4, 1988, with 42 years of service.

Survivors include his wife Gladys, Newton; son Rick and wife Carol, Derby; daughter Karen Ann Elpers and husband Michael of Natick, MA; grandchildren, Jamie Lynn and Kyle Lang of Manhattan, Shawn David Ruff, Wichita, Jeremy Foster Ruff, Derby and Christopher Michael Elpers, Natick, MA. Ike has one great grandchild, Tanner Michael Lang, Manhattan.

Preceding him in death were 2 brothers, Henry and Herman Ruff; 4 sisters, Marie Ruff, Eva Smith, Esther Anderson and Alvina Billeter.

Ike enjoyed his grandchildren, his flowers, garden, his church and all of his friends and relatives. Ike held memberships with the First Presbyterian Church, American Legion Wayne G. Austin Post # 2, Southwestern Bell Pioneers and the United States Marine Corps Association.


Visitation will be held at Broadway Colonial Funeral Home on Friday, April 4, 2008 from 1:00 P.M. – 8: 00 P.M. with the family greeting friends from 6:00- 7:00 P.M.

Funeral services will be on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. at the First Presbyterian Church, Newton, Kansas.
The Reverend James W. Anderson will be presiding.

Burial will be at the Restlawn Garden of Memories, with the United States Marine Corps presenting the honor guard.

Memorials may be made the First Presbyterian Church, Building and Grounds Fund, in care of Broadway Colonial Funeral Home.