Master Sergeant William S. Ruff (Retired) May 23, 1932 - March 21, 2018

May 1932 – March 2018

William “Bill” Ruff, of Hilmar, passed away peacefully on the evening of March 21st at his home with his family by his side.

William was born to Cecil & Hazel Ruff in Yuma, Arizona. His mother passed away soon after his birth, from complications of childbirth. William joined the military at the age of 16 and spent 21 years proudly serving our country. He is a highly decorated Korean & Vietnam veteran. He met his sweetheart Mary and they married in 1954. William adopted Mary’s two children Vern & Darlene. Their family continued to grow with the births of Lois, Cecil & Rebecca. After retiring from the military the family settled in Fresno, CA. In 1978 the family moved to Hilmar, CA where Bill lived the remainder of his life. Bill is known in town for his beautiful harmonica playing. In his retired years he started a lawn service and in his spare time he enjoyed leather crafting.

Bill is preceded in death by parents, his beloved wife of 54 years Mary and his two sons Vern & Cecil. Bill leaves behind and will be dearly missed by his three daughters: Darlene Ruff, Lois (Fernie) Rodriguez and Rebecca (Kirk) Machado; sister Sylvia Reid; 10 grandkids: Paul (Carol) Ruff, Christopher (Crystal) Ruff, Troy (Allie) Ruff, Fernando Rodriguez, Rachel (Gabe) Deleon, Anthony Rodriguez, Sara (Adam) Labuga, Gillian (Jeremy) Koehn, Damian Machado, Gabriel Rodriguez; and 15 great grandkids.

A Viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2018 from 3-6 p.m. at Allen Mortuary in Turlock. Bill’s Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 29, 2018 at Hilmar Covenant Church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill’s name to Covenant Care Hospice, 1550 Fulkerth Road, Turlock, CA 95380.

Please share your memories at www.AllenMortuary.com.