Elmer D. Ruff

Elmer DeWayne Ruff, 80, of Shelbyville, IL, passed away at 7:58 p.m. Thursday, August 29, 2024, in Bradenton, FL.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in Howe and Yockey Funeral Home, Shelbyville, IL with Brother Darrell Best officiating.  Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 p.m. Monday and from 10:00-11:00 a.m. Tuesday, both in the funeral home.  Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery, Shelbyville, IL, with military rites by the Shelby County Honor Guard. Memorials may be given to: VFW Post #4829 for The Land of Lincoln Honor Flight

Elmer was born on December 26, 1943, in Fancher, IL, the son of Claude Oliver and LaVonne (Polly) Ruff.  He served in the U.S. Navy from 1961-1964 and was a veteran of the Vietnam War.  Elmer was a sales manager for P & H Manufacturing in Shelbyville until his retirement.  He was a member of VFW Post #4829 and Moose Lodge #1294, both in Shelbyville, IL.  Elmer married Vickii Lynn Wheat on August 8, 1970.  She passed away on January 17, 2000. 

Elmer spent this last winter snow birding in Florida at his second home he shared with his son, spoiling his chihuahuas and his daughter-in-law. Elmer enjoyed spending time at his cabin on the Kaskaskia River catfishing with his buddies, storytelling at the VFW and serving as “camp director” of the annual deer camp gathering.  A friend to all, he will be sincerely missed.

He is survived by his son, Chad Ruff and wife Rhonda of Bradenton, FL; brothers, Lloyd Ruff and Danny Ruff both of Fancher, IL; sisters, Donna Switzer of Port Orchard, WA and Mary Connor of Stewardson, IL; and many nieces and nephews. Close to his heart, he also leaves behind longtime companion LeeAnn Beckman-Warner, a bonus daughter Tracey, bonus granddaughter Dylann Hayes and Dylann’s husband Mason.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Vickii Ruff; and five sisters, Daisy, Claudette, Helen, Ruth and Ann.