Obituary of Verner Wilmer Ruf

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". RUF - Verner Wilmer Ruf was born on the family farm near Stornoway, March 6, 1933 to Henry and Leah Ruf (nee Engel). He was baptized and confirmed as a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Stornoway. He attended Clyde school just down the road from the farm. Verner and his brother, Leonard, rode the horses to school daily where the horses stood in the barn all day. When it came time to return home, these horses were, "Chomping at the bit." They would bolt out of the school barn and race home, often beating out the neighbors horses…which both Verner and Leonard loved. Verner entered into Holy Matrimony with Elaine Hautz on April 29, 1960. They established their home on the Ruf family farm where Verner grew up. Verner worked along side his father, eventually taking over when Henry retired in 1961. Verner and Elaine worked hard on the family farm, milking cows, tending to those, fast horses, watching and praying over crops. Verner said many times, "We may have been broke, but we were never poor." Their marriage was blessed with three children, Wendy, Keith, and Ellen, whom they instilled the value of a good life and trusting in the Lord. Verner was very proud of his family and made all extended family members feel welcome. Verner was passionate about horses, his eyes would light up when telling stories about his favorite, Grays, Jim and Tony. Verner trusted them so much he would even send them on their own, hooked to the stone boat, over to Leonard's farm across the road with just a slap. Grandpa's passion for horses meant he drew many horses in his lifetime; spending his childhood drawing horses for sister Eleanor and later niece, Val, who would come over from across the road for Uncle VR to draw another horse for her. Grandpa taught all the grandchildren how to draw horses, "Start with the ears" was his opening line. Verner curled in Stornoway and Rhein, with many bonspiels in between. He enjoyed broomball with friends from Rhein. Verner was a member of the Rhein Lions Club for numerous years and an active member of the Lutheran Church, currently holding the position of Financial Committee member and official meeting adjourner. Verner farmed with his brother Leonard and later with his nephew Garry for many years. Verner started farming with his son, Keith when they moved into Yorkton in 1990. Verner continued farming with Keith who eventually took over the farm. This was a very proud moment for Grandpa's as his life's work would continue, following into the next generation when his grandson Ledyn decided he too would carry on the Ruf farm name, becoming the fourth generation of Rufs on the farm, succeeding his Great Grandpa, Grandpa and Uncle Lenny. Last week Grandpa commented, "I've had a good life. I am proud of my family and I love them all". He was a man of timeless patience, strength, and resolve. When faced with adversities he always responded to inquiries about his health with "I'm OK". We know that he is ok now. Verner and his brother always did things together, so it seems fitting that they would join each other within the year. Verner was predeceased by his parents Henry and Leah Ruf, his son in law, Kirk, brother, Leonard and great niece Kristina Rae. He leaves to honor his memory and celebrate his life his loving wife, Elaine; daughter Wendy Neibrandt and her children Brandi and Dana; son Keith (Val) Ruf and their children, Ledyn and Hana (Tyson); daughter Ellen (Trevor) and their children, Bailey, Travis (Ella), Kaitlin (Robert), Mike and Nick. His sister Eleanor (Walt) Dickie and family; sister-in-law Beatrice and family; Along with numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews, Tracy, and many friends who have fond memories of his life. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, March 10, 2015 from Zion Lutheran Church in Yorkton with Rev. Daniel Moeller officiating. Soloist, Lawrence Kitz sang ‘The Old Rugged Cross'. Organist, Verna Liebrecht led the congregation in the singing of the hymns ‘When Peace, Like A River', ‘In the Cross of Christ I Glory', and ‘Just As I Am'. The interment took place in the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with grandchildren Bailey, Ledyn, Travis, Hana, Dana, Brandi and Kaitlin serving as the casketbearers. Condolences may be left at baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials were to the Lutheran Hour or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Service Information Tuesday, March 10th, 2015 11:00am, Zion Lutheran Church Details: Service Extra Info Visitation for family & friends: Monday evening, March 9th - 7:00 - 8:00pm - Bailey's downtown chapel Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens