SR0649 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0649 LRB103 35663 ECR 65738 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Paul Howard Ruff of Paris, who passed away on December 2, 2023; and

WHEREAS, Paul Ruff was born to the Honorable Howard T. and Ruth (Dick) Ruff in Paris on June 17, 1948; he served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War; he received his bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Illinois; he married Beth L. Eaker in Vermilion on January 20, 1979; and

WHEREAS, Paul Ruff first worked as a self-employed drainage contractor; he then served as administrator and manager of the City of Paris and the Village of Mount Zion for 30 years; and

WHEREAS, Paul Ruff was serving as a current member and public properties commissioner for the Paris City Council; he was also a current board member of the Paris Economic Development Corporation; and

WHEREAS, Paul Ruff was elected to serve on the District 95 Board of Education numerous times; and

WHEREAS, Paul Ruff was a member of the Presbyterian Church of Paris, where he served as a deacon, an elder, and in other roles where needed over the years; he was also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Paris for a number of years; and

WHEREAS, Paul Ruff was instrumental in the Grain Systems Inc. (GSI) expansion and the ensuing water project, resulting in the extension of water service from Paris to Chrisman; and

WHEREAS, Paul Ruff enjoyed old cars and woodworking, and he was a dedicated arborist; and

WHEREAS, Paul Ruff was a private, quiet, and sentimental person by nature who will be remembered as a powerful catalyst for positive change in his community; and

WHEREAS, Paul Ruff was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Janet Jebe; and his brother, Donald Ruff; and

WHEREAS, Paul Ruff is survived by his wife; his sons, Charles W. (Briana) Ruff and Tim Paul Ruff; his grandchildren, Savanah (Ethan Favorite) Ruff, Alyssa Ruff, Austin Ruff, and Kayleigh Ruff; and his step-granddaughter, Kate Summerlin; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Paul Howard Ruff and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Paul Ruff as an expression of our deepest sympathy.