Jeanette Estelle Ruff

Jeanette E. Ruff was born on September 2, 1928, in Stockholm, Wisconsin, to Eugene and Ida Anderson. As the third of six children, she grew up in the Pepin area and graduated from Arkansaw High School in 1946. Following high school, Jeanette worked in the Twin Cities before enrolling at the Buffalo County Normal Teachers College in Alma in 1948. That same year, she began her first teaching job at Barry Corner. Over the years, she went on to teach at Trout Creek, Cream, Nelson, and finally Alma, where she devoted 28 years to shaping the minds of young students.

Jeanette met Merlyn Ruff at a dance at the Silver Moon in 1948. He had swept her off her feet, and they were married on December 3, 1949. Together, they made their home in Spring Creek, where Merlyn had purchased a farm from his father (now Spooner Road). They farmed together until 1976, when their son Brian took over the farm. Jeanette and Merlyn had four children: Allen, Dwight, Brian, and Cynthia.

In 1966, Jeanette earned her degree in Elementary Education from the University of Eau Claire, followed by a Master's in Elementary Education from Winona State University in 1974. Known as a legend in the Alma community, she continued teaching for many years, retiring in 1993 after impacting countless students' lives.

While her career as an educator was a cornerstone of her life, Jeanette was also a dedicated homemaker. As a farm wife and mother, she also provided three square meals a day. She was known for cooking and baking delicious pies, cakes, breads and desserts, often using her trusty Betty Crocker cookbook. She would pride herself in making the best pies, especially her banana cream pie. At potlucks, she also noted that the dish that she brought “all went”. Jeanette was an award-winning cook. She claimed first place in the 1962 Dairy Cook-Off in Eau Claire which aired on TV with her Seafood Delight recipe, which earned her an electric range. She also won the WEAU-TV contest for her Fresh Strawberry Pie in 1976 and took home first place at the 1980 Buffalo County Bake-Off for her Chicken Salad. She loved to entertain, always making sure there was a seat at her table for anyone who needed one.

In addition to her cooking and baking skills, Jeanette was a talented seamstress. She sewed clothes for her family, patched overalls for farm life, and taught many 4-H kids how to sew. Later in life, she became an avid quilter and participated in various quilting groups.

Jeanette’s faith was paramount. She was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Nelson, where she taught Sunday School, served in Ladies Aid, and participated in Bible study. Jeanette was also dedicated to visiting shut-ins and bringing joy to residents at the Pepin Manor. A longtime member of the American Legion Auxiliary and the Retired Teachers Association, she took on numerous leadership roles within both organizations.

Jeanette was a lover of travel and adventure. In 1986, she served as an “exchange teacher” in Ireland, and in 1995, she and Merlyn drove to Alaska. She also enjoyed traveling with her sisters and friends, exploring destinations throughout the U.S. and Europe.

Always a competitor, Jeanette won the Alma Invitational Golf Tournament in 1992 at the Walnut Grove Golf Course. She and Merlyn were avid card players, enjoying games of bridge, Euchre, 500, and Scrabble, often with Jeanette emerging as the reigning champion.

At the age of 91, Jeanette published a book through StoryWorth, sharing stories about her life and experiences. She continued to write for the Alma Quarterly and was an active member of a local writer's group, always eager to share her passion for storytelling.

She is survived by her children, Dwight, Brian, and Cynthia; seven grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and many friends and extended family who will remember her as a devoted mother, grandmother, teacher, friend, and pillar of the community.

Jeanette was preceded in death by husband, Merlyn; her son, Allen; her parents, Eugene and Ida Anderson; sister, Shirley and her husband Lee Crittenden; brother, Maynard Anderson and his wife, Bonnie; brother, Marvin Anderson; brother-in-law, Don Doughty; brother-in-law, Max Colstrom; step-father, Waldo Kern, and her daughter-in-law, Janine.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a memorial gathering at Grace Lutheran Church Nelson, Wisconsin, on Friday, August 29, 2025, at 3:00 PM until the time of service at  4:00 PM. Burial will follow the service at the Nelson Cemetery, Nelson, WI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grace Lutheran Organ Fund.