Shirley Ruff

SHIRLEY ANN RUFF (nee Ganter) age 93, beloved wife of the late Clifford C. “Red” Sr.; loving mother of Clifford Jr. (wife Kelley), Mary Lou Romei (husband Christopher), Donna Merrill, Carol Ann Hensley (deceased) and Shirley Ann Lesak (husband David); devoted grandmother of Heather Cole (husband Raymond), Michael Harris (wife Dana), James Harris (wife Jenna), Seth Merrill, Britney Russell, Sara Baker (husband Eric), Fiona and Gavin Hensley, Andrew Lesak (wife Danielle), Tia Brown, Anne and Ryan McCabe, Preston, Theresa Rielinger (husband Andy), Rose and Peter Lesak, and great-grandmother of 14; cherished daughter of the late Herman and Selma (nee Ecklund) Ganter; dearest sister of Ralph Ganter (deceased) and Pauline Bee; dear aunt and great-aunt of many.

Shirley was born in Cleveland on October 17, 1926, and passed away on October 24, 2019.  She was a lifelong resident of Cleveland.  Shirley was a retired church secretary. She was a member of Faith United Church of Christ, and sang in the choir for more than 30 years.  She enjoyed crocheting (made afghans for many, many members of the family, including all the great grands), cards, board games, and baking, especially pies and homemade breads.  She also enjoyed traveling, with memorable trips to Spain and Hawaii, among others. She especially enjoyed going to the casino.  Shirley was funny and witty, and was always selflessly looking out for others.  Her family and church meant everything to her, and she will be missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Shirley to Faith United Church of Christ, 575 Richmond Rd, Cleveland, OH 44143. Celebration of Life Service Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at 10:30 AM at Faith United Church of Christ. Burial following at Knollwood Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Shirley at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) TUESDAY 2-4 & 6-8 PM and AT THE CHURCH WEDNESDAY MORNING 9:30-10:30 AM.