Herbert C Ruoff

Herbert C. Ruoff was born on November 27, 1930 in Philadelphia, PA to Hollis C. Ruoff and Pauline Elsie Mencke, joining an older brother, Clint. 

The family moved several times throughout his young life finally settling in Takoma Park MD.  Herb graduated from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, MD in 1948.  He held several part time jobs and began studies at the University of Maryland prior to enlisting in the US Army in 1954.  After serving two years in the military in Germany, he returned to the University of Maryland to resume his education and graduated with a B.S. degree in Transportation in 1960.  After graduation, Herb was employed by the U.S.  Federal Government with Interstate Commerce Commission regulating the trucking industry.  He was transferred to the Denver, CO office as a Safety Inspector and later promoted to District Supervisor and Transportation Specialist.  He enjoyed traveling the state of Wyoming and half the state of Colorado as required by his employment until his retirement in 1994.

In 1963 he married Margaret Ellen Louder in Draper, SD.  A daughter, Janet Irene Ruoff (1965) and a son Mitchell Kenneth Ruoff (1967) were born to this union.

When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed gardening and was proud to design and dream up new projects for the yard and home.  His goal was to always leave the place better than it was before.

Herb was a strong Christian who enjoyed teaching Adult Bible Studies in the various churches that we attended.  His personal hobby was writing Christian lyrics for secular tunes. 

Another interest was coaching YMCA youth basketball teams that included Janet & Mitchell in Littleton, CO.

Herb’s health slowly declined due to a stroke in September, 2020 and a subsequent diagnosis of dementia.  He continued to live at home until leaving to join the Lord on October 16, 2024 after spending two days at Cherrelyn Healthcare Center in Littleton CO.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Margaret (Marge) Ellen; his daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Kevin St. Clair of Kiowa, CO; his son and daughter-in-law, Mitch and Christine Ruoff of Hockessin, DE; three grandchildren, Zachary Ruoff, Keri Ruoff, Danielle Ruoff; his brother, H. Clinton Ruoff of Silver Spring MD;  three nephews and their families.