Obituary for Donna M. Ruff

Donna Mae Margaret

was born in St. Cloud, MN on July 1, 1930 to Frank and Cecelia Jacobs. She grew up in St. Cloud, where she met and married Raymond (Jim) Ruff. They lived in Holdingford and Detroit Lakes, MN, and Grand Forks, ND before settling in Brooklyn Park, MN where they have resided for almost 60 years. Along the way they had their children Wayne, Diana, James, Cynthia, Mark, and Patricia (Patsy).

Donna treasured her family as it grew to include her children’s spouses, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. Not one to boast, she often said how proud she was of her children and their families. She was a great cook, with meals full of vegetables from their garden, and home-baked treats. (We just never realized she wasn’t eating the vegetables she served. Her famous (to us), Strawberry Freezer Jam was coveted by several of her grandchildren. She often gave them a jar and told them they didn’t have to share it.

From humble beginnings, Donna and Jim amassed a wealth of family, friends, and precious memories. Donna enjoyed the simple pleasures in life - the first ripe tomato from the garden, canning, coffee with friends, camping and fishing (even on Mother’s Day which was often opening weekend), travel in the motorhome, cheering for her favorite sports teams, crossword puzzles, cards and games, going to the casino and “antics” with neighbors and relatives, but always, and most importantly, her family.

Donna worked hard throughout her life: as a seamstress in the Munsingwear factory in Minneapolis after high school, as a mother with her hands full with the 6 of us kids (she had 3 in diapers at one time, then 3 with measles followed shortly after by the same 3 with chickenpox), and then for the Osseo school district for over 20 years before retiring.

Even at 90, she was extremely sharp and witty and had an incredible memory of people, places, dates, and family milestones. (She even continued to balance her checkbook monthly, to the penny!) Always caring and supportive, offering subtle words of wisdom to guide you, she was a champion for her grandchildren and caretaker to all. We will miss her deeply, but know she is forever in our hearts; our guardian angel, watching over us.

Ruff, Donna M. (Jacobs), age 90 of Brooklyn Park, MN was guided by her angels to heaven on Dec. 16, 2020. A lifelong Catholic and parishioner of St. Alphonsus Church for almost 60 years. Preceded in death by her father Frank, mother Cecelia, brother Robert, half-siblings Gilbert, Ervin, Sister Mary Monica, and son Mark. Survived by husband Raymond (Jim) of 72 years; children: Wayne (Linda) Ruff, Diana (Dave) Erickson, James Ruff, Cindy (Don) Coder, Patricia (Dave) Culler; grandchildren, Gary, Ronda, Nieve, Daniel, Christopher, Kendra, Colin, Solenne, Robert, and Logan; 9 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great-grandchildren; sisters: Delores and Evelyn; and many relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to : St Alphonsus Catholic Church, or CEAP (Community Emergency Assistance Programs) of Brooklyn Park