Gladys Ann Ruff, née Grommet, 89, passed away peacefully on Aug. 10, 2024.

She was born Jan. 10, 1935, in Smithton, to Carl and Lillian Grommet (nee Daab), the youngest of three children. She often spoke fondly of her older brothers Floyd E. Grommet and William L. Grommet, who preceded her in death.

On Dec. 21, 1958, Gladys married Donald Richard Ruff of Waterloo, IL. Their union was blessed with three children: Todd Donald Ruff (Kim) of Waterloo, Pamela Wren of St. Charles, Mo., and Scott Ruff (Melinda) of Quincy. Don, her beloved husband, passed away Feb. 26, 2000. A devout child of Christ, Gladys was a dedicated member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she and Don raised their children. Her faith and devotion were cornerstones of her life. Gladys was a loyal and devoted wife who loved joining in on the fun at Don’s long involvement with the Barbershoppers singing group The Kaskaskia Trail Chorus.

Gladys cherished her role as a grandmother to Tyler Ruff, Cieara Wren and Ethan Ruff and great-grandmother to Madison Ratliff. She is also survived by sister-in-law Shirley Ruff, and nieces and nephews Susan Burian, Alan Grommet, Nancy Brown, Terry Grommet, Stephanie Kasten, John Ruff, David Ruff, Christine Felts and Kevin Ruff.

She was a creative and adventurous cook, delighting her family with her culinary experiments. Her strength and resilience were evident from an early age, having survived the Great Depression and a bout with pleurisy at a young age. She helped and learned from her mother on the family farm. Gladys was a big fan of her Alma Mater the University of Illinois, proud member of the 4-H House and a baseball enthusiast. Balancing work and family, Gladys served as School Lunch Director for the Waterloo School District for 26 years (1973-1999). Her dedication, kindness and service touched the lives of thousands in Monroe County. Gladys will be remembered for her sweet and considerate nature. Her children enjoyed teasing her to elicit a reaction, but their love and admiration for her was unwavering. She shared a special bond with her daughter-in-law Melinda, affectionately known as her “mother-outlaw,” and held deep admiration for her daughter-in-law Kim’s talents as a baker, cook, mother, and wife.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law (Wilma, Betty, Gladys and Lois) and nephew Ronald Grommet.

Gladys Ann Ruff’s legacy of love, strength, and dedication will forever be cherished by her family and all who knew her. May she rest in peace.

Visitation is 9-11 a.m. Aug. 14 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo.

Funeral services are 11 a.m. Aug 14. at the church, Pastor Brian Downs officiating.

Interment will follow at Kolmer Memorial Cemetery in Waterloo. Arrangements are with Quernheim Funeral Home.

As an expression of sympathy, the family prefers memorial contributions to Immanuel Lutheran Church or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.