Aubrey "Bud" Lyle Ruff

He was born November 14, 1926 in Shelbyville, IL the son of Earl and Belle Walker Ruff. He married Dorothy Jenee Taylor on September 9, 1950 in Peoria.

Bud is survived by one son, Dr. John (Mary) Ruff of Peoria; two daughters, Gigi (Stu) Kinkade of Peoria, and Jeannine (Steve) McAllister of Chillicothe; four grandsons, Jared Ruff, Dr. Jake (Tory) Ruff, Zach McAllister, and Ward Kinkade; two granddaughters, Aubrey (Jared) O’Brien, Alexis Rhoades-Shindley; and three great-grandchildren, Carter Shindley, Chloe Shindley and Brage O’Brien.

He is preceded in death by his beautiful wife of 65 years, his parents, and one sister, Jean.

Bud was co-owner, with his wife, of Bud Ruff Electric for 30 years. Though Bud and Dorothy worked hard in establishing the company, the first commitment was always to family.

Bud was a man of service. He was involved with the design and lighting of many athletic fields in the area, Woodruff Park, Richwood High School, IVC baseball fields, and BU softball and soccer fields, as well as the Bradley Wall of Honor at the Civic Center. Bud was co-founder of Peoria Youth Boys Basketball with Paul Reatherford

Part of his commitment to his family was his constant involvement in their lives. Part of that involvement included being president of Peoria High Booster Club. He was honored by Peoria High with a beautiful plaque and lifetime athletic pass for over ten years of dedicated service. This was only the second one ever given out.

Bud not only gave service to areas his family was involved with, but to the greater community as a whole, which he constantly referred to as “God’s country”. Bud’s community service covered many arenas. These include, City Building Commission, President of the Illinois Mechanical Contractors Association, EPIC Board member, Northside Planning and Development, NECA, and PACE.

As a World War II veteran, serving his country in the Navy, he was instrumental in bringing the LST to the Peoria area, thus allowing the community and schools to benefit from the rich history.

He was the 34th recipient of the Neve Harms Meritorious Service to Sports Award.

Bud was a member of First English Lutheran Church for 62 years where he served as president for multiple terms.

Bud enjoyed opening his home to friends and family. He was present at all his children and grandchildren activities and cheered them on, always encouraging them. He would help anyone in need, and would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Bud’s Life will be at 11:30 am Saturday, October 29, 2016 at First English Lutheran Church in Peoria. U.S. Navy will perform military rites. Pastor Knight Wells will officiate.

Visitation will be from 9-11:30 am prior to the services. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to his church, First English Lutheran Church.

To view Bud’s memorial page or to leave an online condolence please go to www.davison-fulton.com.