Arthur W. Ruff

A W Ruff, 92, a retired research scientist with the National Institute of Standards and Technology died Monday, April 24, 2023 at home.

Dr. Ruff came to the National Bureau of Standards (now NIST) in 1957. He joined the Metallurgy Division at the time where he conducted research on the role of defects in mechanical behavior. He held several research and management positions including Division Chief. In 1987 he transferred to the Ceramics Division and carried out wear/friction of metals and ceramics until retiring in 1994. He was born in Newark, NJ, went to Rice University from 1948 to 1952 receiving a BS in Physics. He received an MS from the University of Arizona in 1953 and a PhD from the University of Maryland in 1964.

Bill was very active in his church, Grace United Methodist Church. He was Trustee Chair and Vice-Chair for three years and during that time he along with Jim Atkins led the rebuild of #3 Walker House. He began a monthly news item regarding global warming called Grace Goes Green. It gave the most recent information on the subject and ways for individuals to combat this crisis. He filled many positions during his time there including member of the United Methodist Men's Group, ushering team and tellering captain.

Bill and wife Joan had a weekend mountain cabin in Berkley Springs, WV which they built over a 25 year period. They would go there almost every weekend to relax and build and work in their veggie and flower garden. They were both nature lovers of deer, turkeys, owls and songbirds. He pursued many hobbies including woodworking, stained glass, music and genealogy.

Bill was predeceased by his parents Arthur William Ruff, Sr. and Mildred Elaine Anderson Ruff and his stepson David Marshall. He is survived by his wife of 36 years Joan, his daughter Christy Spurlock (Harvey) of Chincoteague, VA, son James Ruff (Karen) of Crownsville, VA and Mark Ruff (Beth) of Catlett, VA, stepdaughter Susan North (Michael) of Pillager, MN, stepson James Marshall (Karolyn) of New Windsor, MD and stepdaughter Karen Nichols (Brett) of Frederick, MD and 10 grandchildren.

Friends may call at Grace U.M.C., 119 N. Frederick Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877 on Thursday May 4, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM where a funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM

Interment will take place at Clarksburg UMC Cemetery, Clarksburg, MD