Cheryl A. "Cherie" Ruff's Obituary
Cheryl Ann “Cherie” Ruff was considered fearless, courageous, and even a little feisty and we were all blessed to have her in our lives. She was stunningly beautiful on the outside but even more so on the inside. She had a huge heart and gave so much love to everyone that knew her in her lifetime. Her beautiful heart grew tired and wore out and she passed away on May 15, 2021. She fought through so many physical limitations but never let it affect her ability to get the most out of every day. The best days for her involved her family with good food, good drinks and anywhere by the water. It all started on August 11, 1947 where she was born to Howard and Clara Wolff in a little town in Ohio called Tiffin where she always said she had the “best childhood” growing up. She was raised in the same house her whole life and was only a bike ride or quick walk away from lunch at either grandparents’ houses or other relatives and frequently took advantage of that. She was proud to be from the Buckeye state and even more proud to call herself a Buckeye fan as she truly loved everything OSU and made sure everyone knew it with her Buckeye necklaces and apparel. She later moved to Michigan with her first Husband Dan to raise their 3 children Becky, Jenny, and Ryan. She was so proud to be called Mom and was truly brilliant at being a homemaker. She had a gift for design and decorating and was frequently asked by others to provide her talent in many home makeover projects. Cherie was also the “cool mom” to her children’s friends, and she met many lifelong friends in her Lansing neighborhood. Not much later in life she met her soulmate and love of her life Kevin Ruff and they were married on a Friday, May 13, 1994 in Grand Ledge, MI. They lived in the Columbus, Ohio area for 5 years until they too found their way back to Michigan to be closer to both of their families. Kevin and Cherie were rarely apart and loved to travel to many water destinations including their favorite, Marco Island, FL. She loved to spend time reading novels and finding ways to slow down the day like floating in the pool or hanging out at the beach. She had a keen mind for trivia and loved to challenge herself, and anyone else by watching Jeopardy. She was a true fan of Y & R, Young and the Restless, and faithfully watched for many years. She also loved to watch her grandkids sporting events and dance competitions and never got enough of being called “Nana”. She is survived by her loving husband of 27 years Kevin Ruff. Her three children Becky (Mike) Kuznar, Jenny (Chris) Hashley and Ryan (Misty) Pfeiffer and three wonderful grandkids Emily Kuznar, Eddie Kuznar and Owen Pfeiffer. Her siblings Tom (Laura) Wolff, Karen (RJ) Nemeth and her faithful pooch Archie and many much-loved cousins, nieces and nephews and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents Howard and Clara, and her brother Mike. A Celebration of Cherie’s Life will be held later this summer. MEMORIALS to the American Heart Association will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their On-line Guest Book at www.sytsemafh.com Arrangements by The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444 (231) 798-1100
What’s your fondest memory of Cheryl?
What’s a lesson you learned from Cheryl?
Share a story where Cheryl's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Cheryl you’ll never forget.
How did Cheryl make you smile?