Harvey Raymond Ruff

The family of Harvey Raymond Ruff, 80, of Warden, Wash., is saddened to announce his passing May 13, 2024. He was born April 20, 1944, to Raymond and Hilda Ruff in Ritzville, Wash., and was the older brother to his sister, Bonnie.

Harvey was raised on a dryland wheat farm in Ruff; his love for farming and agriculture carried throughout his life. After graduating high school and Big Bend Community College, he married Barbara Gail. They had two daughters, Lori and Lisa, and he started his own farm raising wheat, hay and peas. He left the farm and became the manager for Brotherton Seed Company for 46 years before retiring. 

Harvey was a 4-H leader; he loved sharing his knowledge and skills with the youth in his community. He started raising sheep to ensure the best stock for his daughters and other 4-H members. Harvey spent a great deal of time, yearly, at the Grant County Fair supporting the 4-H and FFA organizations plus enjoying the rodeos. 

In 1992 Harvey married Susan Hoagland. They moved to a small Warden farm. Harvey and Sue raised cattle, horses and a variety of poultry on their farm.

Harvey loved his gardens. He sold produce at the Grant County Farmers Market and helped his close friends, Dan and Roland Toya, sell their produce as well. Harvey had a passion for growing flowers. At one time he had over 300 dahlia bulbs, some of which came from his mom.

Harvey loved cooking and making some of his favorite dishes. A longtime family tradition was making German sausage. Harvey helped friends Don and Kelly make sausages for Deutsches Festival.

Harvey was quite the fisherman as well. He salmon fished in the local lakes and rivers. He also took trips to Westport to fish. 

Family was important to Harvey; he loved keeping in touch with his large, extended family. He enjoyed visiting people and hearing all about what was happening in the community. 

A special thank you to those who helped care for Harvey: Dr. Jonathan Hansen of Spokane Cardiology, Dr. Andrew Howlett of Providence Orthopedics, Dr. James Calamia of Providence Medical Group Family Medicine, and Avalon Care Center in North Pointe, Spokane.

Harvy was preceded in death by his parents and sister. He is survived by his wife, Susan, of Warden, and daughters Lori of Medical Lake, Wash., and Lisa (Dale) of Yakima, Wash.

Inurnment is scheduled for Saturday, June 8, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Ruff Schultz Memorial Cemetery in Ruff on Road W NE. Following burial there will be a celebration of life at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Warden at 1 p.m. Please stay and enjoy food and fellowship with the family, as this was very important to Harvey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Cancer Society or Alzheimer’s Association. 

Harvey was always willing to help anyone at any time. He was loyal, hardworking and will be missed by many. 

“Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight.” — Rossiter Worthington Raymond

Please express your thoughts and memories for the family at www.kayserschapel.com. Arrangements are under the care of Kayser's Chapel of Memories.