Patricia Ann Ruf

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Celebrating the life of
Patricia Ann RufOctober 09, 1947 - May 30, 2010

Patricia Ann Ruf, 62, passed peacefully to her heavenly reward on May 30, after a long illness. She was surrounded by her loving family and under the care of family members and Hospice Savannah, Inc. at home until the end. She was preceded in death by her father, Charles P. Brown of Atlanta GA, and her brother, Terry Williams Bernice of Pinehurst, NC.

Born to Charles P. and Alva MacDonald Brown on October 9, 1947, in Pinehurst, NC, she grew up in Atlanta and Smyrna, GA and graduated with honors from Osborne High School. Though she was offered a scholarship to Duke University School of Nursing, she opted to stay closer to home and like her sister graduated from Grady Hospital School of Nursing 1968. It was in the Grady E.R. that she met her future husband 1969. Two years later she boarded a plane for the first time, flying 10, 000 miles to be married in Taipei, Taiwan 1971. Upon return to the U.S. 1974, she became the head nurse of the University of Kansas Renal Dialysis Unit. When residency advancement moved her husband to the Medical University of South Carolina 1976, she became a charge nurse in the Burn Unit before helping to start the medical center's ambulatory surgery center. Upon arrival in Savannah GA 1980, she worked in her husband's office for 10 years before "retiring" to manage the family and raise the children. In the process, she has been PTO President at both St. James Catholic School and Benedictine Military School, teacher substitute at St. James and St. Vincent's Academy, St. James Catholic School nurse, volunteered for lunch room and any other need that the three schools had. When it became apparent that St. Vincent's Academy students were at a disadvantage when competing with others for college placement due to the letter grading system, she worked with the administration to change the policy, and she manually changed four years of grades for every student.

Though raised Baptist, she chose to convert to Roman Catholicism while in Taiwan. She has been a communicant of St. James Catholic Church in Savannah for over 20 years. She served as President of the Georgia Medical Society Chatham County Auxiliary and for several years played the role of Octopuffy in a program to educate children of the disastrous consequences of smoking. She had a passion for reading, but when her sight was lost, the Savannah Association for the Blind helped with audio books and other support.

She was a sensitive, kindhearted, loving person who would help anyone she saw in need. She never met a stranger and was always teased that she "would talk to a post." Her life was dedicated to the service of others as a nurse, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend to so many. But oh how she loved her children and grandchildren who kept her motivated these last few years.

She is survived in death by her loving husband of almost 39 years, Dr. Lawrence E. Ruf of Savannah, GA; daughter Emily J. Elmore Rives of Acworth, GA; son, Michael P. Ruf of Savannah, GA; daughter, Holly E. Jones Mark of Eatonton, GA; mother, Alva MacDonald Brown of Atlanta, GA; granddaughter, Ansley E. Elmore; grandsons, Logan R. Elmore and Peyton M. Jones; sister, A. Jeannine Peevy Wilton of Atlanta, GA; brothers, Kirt Williams of Hayworth IL, Mac Williams of Carthage, NC and Charles W. Brown of Atlanta, GA; brother-in-law, John D. Ruf Marie; sister-in-law Jeanne Muntan Charles, Rosemary Kirtley Cecil and Linda Knabel Ed all of Louisville KY, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loving daycare giver, Geraldine B. Turner, who helped extend the quality of her life over the past 2 ½ years, and many friends and neighbors.

A special Thank you goes out to Beth Conway, RN, Sky Cossio, LSW, and all the staff of Hospice Savannah Inc. whose help and support made it possible for her to remain at home throughout her illness. Thank you to Drs. Mike Hemphill, Mary Cady, David Kim, Kathy Chu, and David Thomas for their expert care. Finally, thank you to the doctors and staff of Savannah Plastic Surgery whose consistent support has made it possible for the family to provide optimal care for Patricia.

Memorial Visitation: Fox and Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel on Friday, June 4, 2010 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. with a Rosary following.

Memorial Mass: St. James Catholic Church on June 5, 2010 at 12:30 p.m.

Remembrances: Hospice Savannah, P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31416, Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Dr. Savannah, GA 31406, St. James Catholic School 8412 Whitfield Ave. Savannah GA 31406, St. Vincent's Academy, 207 E. Liberty St. Savannah, GA 31401 or Savannah Association for the Blind, 214 Drayton St. Savannah, GA 31401.

Please sign our on-line guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel

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GUEST BOOK

' Tricia and I were best friends from age 7 -14. Her family moved and we lost touch over the years. As kids, we rode bikes, picked blackberries in the woods Jeannine would make us blackberry pies, and walked to and from school together everyday. We spent hours playing with our dolls on my screeded porch and sometimes slept out there - only to get spooked during the night. She was the BEST childhood friend and will always have a special place in my heart.

- Lynda Roach Coulter, ,

Please see message under the candle section.

- Lynda Roach Coulter, Overland Park, KS

Good day to all the Ruf Family. I have ben reading the Notice of the sad death of Mrs Ruf. Please accept my sincere condolences. Patricia seems to have been a wonderful person, caring and loving, happy to helo anyone in need. This is what the lord wants us all to do , and Patricia did all that with love. I pray the lord will comfort you the immediate family, and all Patricias friends at this very sad time, and be sure our good lord will reward Patricia for all her kindness. God bless you all and comfort you all at this sad time. May Patricia rest in peace in the loving arms of our dear loving lord. God bless you all. Eamonn Maguire Dublin Ireland.

- Eamonn Maguire, Dublin Ireland, GA

I worked with Patricia years ago with the Auxiliary to the GMS. She was always so sweet and knew what needed to be done and saw to it. I admired her greatly. I was so sorry to read of her death. My condolences and prayers are with the entire Ruf family.

- Dorothy Wallace, Savannah, GA

Dr. Ruf and Family, Extending my deepest sympathy for your loss. Peace and Blessings for you and your family, Deborah Black

- Deborah Black, Savannah, GA

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

- Joanna Schlafer Clark, Louisville, KY

Dr.Ruf and Family,please accept our sincere thoughts of sympathy on the loss of Patricia.She was obviously loved by many and she will be missed by many.You are in our prayers.

- Tom and Judy Mahoney, Savannah, GA

Dear Ruf Family, We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. With deepest sympathy, The Wallace Family

- margaret wallace, savannah, GA

I am sorry for your loss your family is in my prayers.

- Stephen Downing, Savannah, GA

Dr.Ruf and family , I am so sorry to hear of Patricia's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

- Michelle Joyner, Savannah, GA

Larry, So sorry to read this in the CJ this morning. We can all be assured that Patricia is in a better place and her suffering has ended. She had a full and accomplished life, which everyone, I am sure, is so proud of her. Sorry we lived so far apart and were not able to stay close. Marie sends her best too and wishes to join her and your Mother soon. Jim, Betty, Marie

- The Gardner's, Louisville, KY

Dear Dr Ruf & Family, We are so sorry to hear that Patricia has passed away. She was such a nice person and will be missed. John, Amy, Wes Lord and Stephanie

- The Wing Family, Midway, GA

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ruff family at this time. May you be filled with peace and comfort that only God can provide.

- Robyn Quattlebaum and the staff of Driftaway Cafe, Savannah, GA

Dr. Ruf and Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Patricia is walking with the angels now and will be watching over every one of you.

- Michelle Gallagher, , GA

Mom, Rest in Peace. I will always carry you in my heart. Thank you for everything. I will miss you. All my love, Holly

- Holly Ruf Jones, Eatonton, GA

Larry, I know your family, friends, and work will support you during this time of grief. My thoughts are with you.

- Rebecca Adams MD, Savannah, GA

Larry, Emily, Michael and Holly, I was one of the privileged ones to know Patricia and be one of the many recipients of her wise and kind help and advice. She will be welcomed among the saints in heaven I am sure.

- Sister Jeannine Norton, Savannah, GA

Dr Ruf, My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I have very fond memories of Patricia, such an amazing woman with a beautiful smile and generous nature. Anyone one who had the priviledge to know her was blessed by her. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Christine Scott Meade

- Christine Scott Meade, Richmond Hill, GA

Larry, I am so sorry to hear about Patricia's passing. She was a very special person and a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

- Betty Hinson, Fairfax, VA

May God bless her and may she rest in peace.

- Ed&Betty Knabel, Louisville, KY

Patricia, You are such a beloved sister-in-law. I will miss you greatly, but keep you in my heart. Larry, I love you big brother. Emily, Michael and Holly, Rives and Mark, I love you all. Stay close!

- Linda, Louisville, KY

Larry,Judy & I are very sorry. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Patricia is at rest and peace now.

- Sam & Judy Noble, Louisville, KY

To Family and friends of Patricia, with sympathy... 'She kept at true good humour’s mark, the social flow of pleasure’s tide: She never made a brow look dark, Nor caused a tear, but when she died.' - Thomas Love Peacock.

- Jean Colon, Coral Springs, FL

Dr. Ruf and Family, I was so sad to hear of Ms. Patricia's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Please take care of each other and remember all the wonderful memories of her! She will hold a special place here with us. Casey Murphy

- Casey Murphy, Savannah, GA

Our thoughts are with you...

- Chan & Glynda Whitlow, Dallas, GA

Mom, If loved could have saved you, you would have lived forever. I will miss you always and think about you every day. Love forever, Emily

- Emily Elmore, Acworth, GA