Eldon K. Ruff

Eldon K. Ruff, 85 of rural Pontiac, IL died Wednesday November 29, 2017 at 3:15AM at his residence.

His funeral will be held on Saturday December 2, 2017 at 11:00AM at the First United Methodist Church, Pontic with Rev. Gretchen Stinebaugh officiating.  Burial will be at South Side Cemetery, Pontiac.  A visitation will be held on Friday from 5:00-8:00PM at the church.  Memorials in Eldon’s name may be made to the First United Methodist Church or Alzheimer’s Association. Calvert & Martin Funeral Home, Pontiac is handling the arrangements.

Eldon was born on October 7, 1932 in Fairbury, IL a son of Delbert and Josephine (Eaton) Ruff.  He married Jean Bammann on October 17, 1954 in Pontiac, IL. She survives in rural Pontiac; also surviving are four children: Robby (Debbie) Ruff of Odell, IL, Susie (Marty) Mackinson , Peggy Ruff and Nancy (Kent) Woodburn all of Pontiac, IL; one daughter in law: Lauri Ruff of Pontiac, IL; one sister: Betty Jean Voigts of Pontiac, IL; sixteen beloved grandchildren and thirteen beloved great grandchildren; one son Mike Ruff preceded him in death in 2008.

Eldon was educated in Cornell and graduated from Pontiac High School.  He served his country as a Navy Corpsman/Medic during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1955. Eldon lived and worked a grain and livestock farmer in Livingston County for most of his life.  He and Jean lived many years in Hudson enjoying Lake Bloomington with their family and friends.  Later Eldon also worked as a crop adjuster for Country Insurance.

He was a member of the First United Methodist church.  Eldon loved people and the communities in which he and his family lived. Through the years he served as a 4-H leader and as a member of several area boards including the Livingston County Fair Association, the Bank of Pontiac, the first United Methodist church, Pontiac Area of Chamber of Commerce and the Pontiac Township High School for over 25 years. Eldon also served on the Livingston County Board.  He was a member of the Pontiac Elks Lodge and the former Pontiac American Legion and the Pontiac Moose Lodge.  He also participated in Country Couples for many enjoyable years.