Gary Joseph Ruff
In Loving Memory of Gary Joseph Ruff
Gary was born on January 21st, 1950, and he left us on January 7th, 2024, due to complications from a stroke. He was a devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, friend and neighbor who touched the lives of so many.
Gary was generally affable, and was easy company for everyone. It was evident from an early age that Gary had a love of animals, and that foreshadowed him becoming a lifelong cattleman and a collector of cats. He was well-known for his love of milkshakes, visiting with friends, his “Gary Wear” Western fashion, his impassioned screeds of swearing, and his adoration for Hereford cattle (his “Sweeties”).
Gary was from Custer, Montana, and he lived there most of his life. He served in the Army Reserves for several years, having been stationed in Germany, as well as teaching Californians how to drive stick shift in
Death Valley. Once discharged, he moved back to Custer and set to courting his sweetheart Della May of Hysham, and they were married soon after. Their honeymoon was spent attending a girls’ high school basketball tournament. He was a passionate supporter of 4-H Clubs and served his communities on the Custer School Board, the Custer Community and School Support Foundation (CC&SSF), the Montana Cattle Feeders Association Board, the Montana Stockgrowers Association Board, and the
Northern International Livestock Exposition (NILE) Board.
Those close to Gary knew what a kind and gentle man he was, something that was obvious to even those only just acquainted. Gary embodied a strong Western congeniality and had an ease of presence that made him quietly reassuring. He was great at commiserating with your grievance, sharing his own, but always had some barely-restrained jolliness that you’d be hard-pressed to disagree with. He will be dearly missed and
never to be replaced.
Gary was preceded in death by his father Joseph Harold Ruff, his brother Leslie Ruff, his father-in-law Charlie May and his sister-in-law Monica Redland. He is survived by his wife of 50 years Della, his loving mother Lillian Ruff, mother-in-law Ginger May, sister Vonnie (Steve) Herbst, brother Scott (Annett) Ruff and sister-in-law Jo Tubbs (Robert). Gary leaves behind a legacy of love and warmth for his nine nieces and nephews, as well as numerous great nieces and nephews.
Memorials in Gary’s name and memory can be made to the Custer Volunteer Fire Department, the Junction City Memorial Park, the Custer Community and School Support Foundation or charity of choice.
Bullis Mortuary has been entrusted with the cremation.
