James William Ruff

James William Ruff, 88, of Billings, MT, died at home with his sugar honey of 65 years, Eleanor
and children by his side. He was born March 6, 1931, in Billings, MT. His parents were Joseph
and Mary Ruff. He and Eleanor Madill met on a blind date that was set up by his cousin,
Marlene. They later married on November 13, 1954. James and Eleanor took over the family
farm in Custer and were blessed with four loving children. He also worked at Western Sugar,
Pierce Packing, and construction. He served on the City County Planning Board for 27 years and
the Custer Cemetery Board for 20 years. James was very active at St. Mary's Church in Custer
and St. Pius in Billings. If you needed an odd job done, James was the one to call. He was averv
handy handyman and could fix anything. His hobbies were hunting, fishing, and boating. He
loved the outdoors and still talked about feeding his cows and harvesting. He is preceded in
death by his parents Joseph and Mary Ruff, brother Joe and sister Virginia. James leaves behind
his loving wife Eleanor, children Lori (LeRoy) Meidinger of Miles City, Nick (Launa) Ruff of
Billings, Mike (Rosa) Ruff of Billings, and Connie (Jay) Kanta of Billings. Grandchildren Serena
(Stu) Potter, Aaron (Geneva Engelhart) Meidinger, Clint (Melissa) Ruff, Toshia Ruff, Brandon
Kanta, Brianna Kanta, Brenna Kanta, Ethan Ruff and Samantha Ruff and their great
grandchildren Zakyia Ruff, Aaliya Ruff, Makenna Ruff, Alecea Ruff, Aubree Ruff, and Atticus
Potter. James's Funeral will be on Wednesday, November 6, at 11 am at St. Pius church with
burial at Holy Cross Cemetery. A luncheon will follow mass. The family will gather at Smith's
Funeral Chapel downtown on November 5, from 5-7 pm to receive guests with Rosary to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Custer Volunteer Fire Department or Yellowstone
Valley Animal Shelter.