Goldie Mae Ruff, of Lancaster, left the Pickering House to meet Jesus Tuesday, February 13, 2024, just two weeks before her 91st birthday. Born in Lancaster on February 28, 1933, as an only child to Harry Eugene and Ethel Mae (Pero) Arnold, who precede her in death. Goldie graduated from Rushville Union High School in 1951.
Goldie worked many jobs after graduation, met Richard Ruff and had their first date on Valentine’s Day 1952, married November 30, 1954. They were married 68 years before Richard’s passing in January 2023. She is also preceded in death by her husband’s seven sisters & brothers-in-law and one brother and sister-in-law.
Goldie is survived by her children Ronald (Shelley) Ruff, Gloria (Dave) Eschbaugh and Cindy Ruff, all of Lancaster. Also surviving are her grandchildren Joe (Kourtney) Eschbaugh, Kim (Casey) Hudson, of Lancaster, Trey (Katlynn) Eschbaugh of Wisconsin, Kelcey (Sky) Wilson of Crooksville, & Hilary (Kyle) Maxam of Brookville, OH. And survived by great-grandchildren Breeanna Tharp & Braylen Tharp, Kaine Bocook, Brody Merkle, Clint Wilson, Oliver, Julia, Barrett & Baby Maxam, Nevah & Luke Hewitt-Eschbaugh, many nieces and nephews, beloved dogs Cookie & Lacey.
Goldie was involved in 4-H since 1966, being a 4-H parent then becoming an assistant advisor for Golden Spurs & Rough Riders Clubs and start up advisor for Just Horsin’ Around. Her name was synonymous with horse 4-H. Also involved in the startup of the Horse Queens Contest. After retirement from the 4-H, she continued to be a big supporter of the Fairfield County Horse 4-H. Her contributions to the youth horse 4-H programs have elevated the Fairfield County 4-H to a higher standard.
Goldie was also a long-time member of the Fairfield Riding Club. After dissolution of the Fairfield Riding Club, the proceeds from the sale of the property formed the Fairfield Riding Club Foundation, which, to this day, continues to support the 4-H Fairfield County horse programs.
Friends may call Tuesday, February 20 from 4-7 PM at Halteman-Fett & Dyer Funeral Home, 436 N Broad Street, Lancaster, OH and one hour prior to the service. Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, February 21 with Rev. Karen Kepner officiating. Burial is to follow at Floral Hills Memory Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Goldie Ruff to Fairfield Riding Club Fund, c/o Fairfield County Foundation, 162 E. Main Street, Lancaster, OH 43130; the Grace Lutheran Church, 5575 Cincinnati-Zanesville Road NE, Lancaster, OH or to the Dumontville United Methodist Church, 3569 Lancaster-Kirkersville Road NW, Lancaster, OH.
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