Heaven rejoiced today as they gained another angel. Florence Ruff, 93, of rural Marshalltown, returned to the arms of her heavenly Father on the morning of Monday, March 22, 2021 after peacefully passing away at Southridge Specialty Care in Marshalltown.
Funeral Services for Florence will take place on Thursday, March 25 at 11:00 A.M. at the Iowa River Church of the Brethren, with a visitation held from 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. prior to the service. Masks are required. For those unable to attend, the service will be available on the Mitchell Family Funeral Home Facebook page. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Iowa River Church of the Brethren. Mitchell Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of Florence and her family. For additional questions or to leave a condolence, please visit www.mitchellfh.com or call 641-844-1234.
One of ten children, Florence was born on August 27, 1927 in Brooklyn, Iowa to parents Samuel B. and Bertie Florence (Myatt) Rodgers. She graduated from Marengo High School with the class of 1945. After meeting the love of her life, Boyd Ruff, they were united in marriage on March 27, 1950 at the Carlton Brethren Church. Together they had a small farm, where they raised their two sons.
Florence was a hard-working wife and mom, keeping busy especially with her large gardens of vegetables and flowers. She enjoyed canning and quilting, having made over 1,000 “lap robes” over the years, most of which she gave away. Florence was a prayer warrior and a pillar of faith for family, friends and strangers alike. She was a member of the Iowa River Church of the Brethren and their Women’s Fellowship group, which always put on the annual bizaar, known for their homemade chicken and noodles. Florence also enjoyed reading and listening to gospel music.
Those left to cherish her memory are her two sons: Terry (Amy) Ruff of Ghana, West Africa and Tim (Jo) Ruff of Marshalltown; 5 grandchildren: Sara (Tim) Coverstone, Jonathan (Emily) Ruff, Carie (Paul) Parks, Kristin (Joe) Meyer and Abby (Ryan) Smith; 7 great-grandchildren; 3 sisters: Lorene Meek, Louise Danner and Arlene Strennen; sisters-in-law: Wanda Hofer and Marilyn Rodgers; and several nieces and nephews.
Florence is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Boyd; her parents, Samuel and Bertie; 4 brothers: Doug (Norma) Rodgers, Pete Rodgers, Mack (Helen) Rodgers and Sam (Millie) Rodgers; 2 sisters: Betty (Art) Catherman and Lucille (Wally) Fiser; sister-in-law Claris (Fred) Wildermuth and brothers-in-law: Nick Meek, Roland Danner, Paul Strennen and Neal (Dorothy) Ruff.