Eileen A. Ruff, 86, of McGregor, Iowa died Monday, October 16, 2017 at her home in McGregor, Iowa in the care of her family. Eileen Agnes was born on April 7, 1931 to Lester and Ronilla (Schoulte) Connor in Elkader, Iowa. She attended Country School, St. Joseph Catholic School, Elkader High School, and graduated from Monona High School in 1948.
Eileen was united in marriage with Erwin Ruff on September 8, 1951 at St. Patrick Catholic Church, Monona, Iowa. Eight children were born to this union. Together they farmed outside of McGregor, Iowa. She enjoyed being outdoors, gardening, growing flowers and tending to her farm animals. Eileen enjoyed cooking maple syrup each spring.
Eileen is survived by her husband of sixty-six years, Erwin of McGregor, Iowa; eight children, Mary (Tom) Giese of McGregor, Rose Ann (Noel) Cantu of McGregor, Don (Kari) Ruff of McGregor, Bob (Utoni) Ruff of Garnavillo, Alan (Connie) Ruff of Farmersburg, Jim Ruff (special friend, Cindy Koons) of Monona, Iowa, Carol (Dan) Voss of Decorah and Dan (Patti) Ruff of McGregor; nineteen grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Rachel Engelhardt of Elkader and Marilyn Ryan of Dubuque.
Eileen was preceded in death by her parents, Lester and Ronilla Connor; one brother, Eugene Connor; and two sisters, Roni Reisen and in infancy, Carolyn Connor.
Visitation will be held from 9-11 am on Friday, October 20, 2017 at St. Mary Catholic Church, McGregor, Iowa.
Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Friday, October 20, 2017 at St. Mary Catholic Church, McGregor, Iowa with Rev. Nils de Jesus Hernandez as the Celebrant.
Inurnment will be held at a later date.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, McGregor, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.