Gloria J. Ruff

Gloria J. Ruff, 89, of Springfield, passed away at 9:35 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2015 at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. Gloria was born August 9, 1925 in Chicago, the daughter of William and Edna (Corcoran) Reilly. They preceded her in death along with her beloved aunt and uncle, John and Marie Klimek, who raised her as their own. She married Dale Ruff on January 17, 1948 in Springfield. He preceded her in death, as did her sister, Edna Mae Worsham. Gloria was a graduate of Feitshans High School. She was employed by the Illinois State Board of Education from 1968 until her retirement in 2003. Gloria attended St. Agnes and was a member of St. Louise de Marillac. She was an avid Cubs and Bears fan, enjoyed attending family sporting events, had great artistic ability, enjoyed collecting glassware, playing the piano, loved old movies, and adored the city of Chicago. She was smart, generous, open-minded, and affectionately known to many as Grandma Glo. She is survived by her two sons, Bob (wife, Kim) Ruff and Bill (wife, Sue) Ruff, both of Springfield; four grandchildren, Katie and Matt Ruff, Brandy VanMeter, and Justin Filson; two great-grandchildren, Lily VanMeter and Haley Filson; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Cremation was accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies. Visitation: Family will receive friends from 9:00 until 10:45 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 245 North Amos Ave., Springfield. Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at St. Agnes Catholic Church with Rev. Robert Jallas, celebrant. Private family burial at Camp Butler National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Illinois Chapter, Attn: Memorials & Tributes, 11 South LaSalle St., Suite 1800, Chicago, IL 60603-1344, the Arthritis Foundation, Central IL Chapter, 2621 N. Knoxville, Peoria, IL 61604, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, PO Box 1000, Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908.