CULBERTSON, Neb. — Karen Leann Ruff, age 75, of Culbertson, passed away Friday, Oct. 13, 2017, at her home, surrounded by family.

She was born in McCook on July 22, 1942, to Guy Leon and Rosa Eleanor (Schlegel) Nelson. Karen graduated from McCook High School in 1960 and continued her education at Barnes Business College in Denver, Colo., receiving her degree as a paralegal.

She was united in marriage to James Curtis Ruff on Nov. 1, 1964, in Aurora, Colo. They resided in Arvada, Colo., from 1964 until 1981, when they moved to a farm near the McCook, Neb., community.

Karen worked as paralegal at the Atler Law firm in Colorado, a secretary at Arvada Rubbish in Colorado, and a secretary for the United Methodist Church in McCook. In 1981, she began working for Mousel, Garner and Rassmussen as a paralegal. She retired in 2009. Above all her professions, she was always a farm wife, helping in every aspect of the farming operation.

Karen was very active in the McCook community, where she was involved in various groups including the United Methodist Women, Sarah Circle, various Bible studies, Red Hat Society, PEO, and Young Moderns Extension Club. She actively volunteered at the Helping Hand Thrift Store, at the Methodist Church providing meals, and Red Cross Blood Drive.

Karen’s hobbies included gardening, puzzles, playing games, reading, fishing, and baking. She especially loved the time spent with her grandchildren.

Preceding her in death were her father, Guy Nelson; her mother, Rosa Wilcox; stepfather, Lynn Wilcox; sisters, Avis (Bob) Ray, Fern (Ken) McGuire, and Dorothy (Bob) McLaren; and brother, Arlyn “Buddy” Nelson.

Survivors include husband, James Ruff of Culbertson; children, Rhonda (Don) Ellis of Benkelman, Neb., Curt (Laverna) Ruff of Fort Collins, Colo., and Keith (Joey) Ruff of Grand Island, Neb.; six grandchildren, Zoey Ellis, Devani and Alexis Ruff, Ethan, Colton and Gavin Ruff; sister, Nadine (Gerald) Owens of Crossville, Tenn.; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and a host of friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family request any donations go to the Helping Hand or Community Hospital Home Health/Hospice.

Visitation was Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017, at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Words of condolence may be sent to the family at www.herrmannfh.com

Funeral services are today, Oct. 16, 2017, 2:30 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church with Pastor Alisa Parde officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook is entrusted with arrangements.

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