Mary Lou Ruff

Mary Lou Ruff

March 24, 1937 – November 4, 2026

Mary Lou Ruff went home to be with her Lord and Savior on November 4, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Mary Lou was born on March 24, 1937, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Mary N. Collins and Harry O. Wilson. She was raised by her mother and stepfather, Allen K. Jorgenson, and was the oldest of seven children. She spent her childhood growing up in Nebraska then briefly moved to California before returning and settling in Colorado in 1952, where she ultimately graduated as an Ault Bearcat in 1955.

On November 17, 1956, Mary Lou married the love of her life, Wilbert (Willie) Benjamin Ruff, at First Lutheran Church in Ault, Colorado. Together, they built a beautiful life spanning nearly 70 years, rooted in faith, love, and unwavering devotion to one another. Deeply involved in their church and community, they raised their four wonderful children throughout the Ault, Greeley, Kersey, and Eaton communities before eventually retiring in Eaton.

A lifelong advocate of learning, Mary Lou attended Colorado State Teachers College (later CSC, now the University of Northern Colorado). In 1959, she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in General Secondary Education, with minors in English, Physical Education, Home Economics, and Elementary Education. She went on to spend 33 remarkable years in the classroom, dedicating 30 of those years to Highland RE-9, where she shaped the foundational years of countless children. Her legacy and love for others beautifully reflected Christ’s own heart, and her impact continues to echo through generations of students she inspired.

Mary Lou was deeply committed to her community, teaching, and her faith. She was a dedicated member of the First Lutheran Church. She was active in many clubs including the Eaton Sundowners and volunteered in the Eaton Historical Museum. Mary Lou lived her life as a testament to education, grace, kindness, and faith. While our hearts are heavy with her passing, we rejoice in the certainty that she is resting peacefully in the presence of the Lord.

She is survived by her beloved husband, Wilbert (Willie) Ruff; her four children, Mike and Shelly Ruff (son), Grant and Judy Ruff (son), Chris and Vicki Ruff (son), and Kodee Reese (daughter); her brother, George and Diane Jorgenson; her sister, Shirley (Jorgenson) and Carroll Ray; and many loved and cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Collins, Harry Wilson, and Allen Jorgenson; and her siblings, Jerry Jorgenson, Jim Jorgenson, Donna Lee Wilson, and Dorothy Ann Wilson.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, November 21, 2026, at the First Lutheran Church, located at 402 Graefe Avenue, Ault, CO. Food and fellowship will immediately follow the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the First Lutheran Church of Ault in Mary Lou's honor.