Richard “Dick” Ruf, of Springfield, Ore. died of natural causes on Jan. 17, 2021. He was 94.
Dick was born on Aug. 8, 1926 to William and Augusta (Heller) Ruf in Brooklyn, N.Y., and had an older brother, Bill.
Dick was raised in Livingston Manor, N.Y. He graduated from high school at 16 years old in 1942. He served in the United States Army Air Corps in the Asian Occupation during World War II.
He graduated from Biola College in Southern California, majoring in elementary education. He married Virginia Welch on June 17, 1960, in Bellflower, Calif. They had three children, Ray, Elsie and Esther.
Dick worked for Springfield School District as an elementary teacher/counselor until his retirement in 1991. He received his master’s degree in counseling from the University of Oregon. He enjoyed biking, driving and traveling, which included driving through all 50 states. He was also an avid reader, cook, food processor and swimmer, among other interests.
Dick was a devout Christian, having accepted Christ as his Savior in his 20s. He was active in the leadership of Twin Rivers Baptist Church (formerly First Conservative Baptist), Trinity Baptist Church and Thurston Community Church.
Dick is survived by his three children, Ray Ruf of Eugene, Elsie (Mike) Nordtvedt of Springfield, Esther (Curtis) Campbell of Modesto, Calif.; six grandchildren, Jennifer (Dan) Heatley, Christopher Fisk, Jef (Ky) and Brian Nordtvedt, and Wesley and Lacey Campbell; and four great-grandchildren, Kasadie and Kadin Heatley, and Rayne and Pearyn Nordtvedt.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either the Springfield Education Foundation or Biola Student Scholarship Fund.
Arrangements by Major Family Funeral Home in Springfield.
