Daniel George Ruff

Daniel George Ruff “Farmer Dan”, 65, life-long resident of Laurel passed away Monday, August 15, 2022 at his home on the farm.  Dan had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this summer.  He was born September 17, 1956 to George and Sophia (Nauman)Ruff in Billings. He graduated from Laurel High School class of 1974.

On December 11, 2004 Dan married “Sonny” Victoria.

Farming was Danny’s first passion.  He was born and raised on the family farm north of Laurel.  He also worked at Cenex Harvest States Refinery during the winter months   with the ‘Pumpers’.  He did a stint with the Montana Department of Highways as a snowplow driver.  Other various jobs were at O’Donnell Turkey Farm and delivering fertilizer.

Danny loved gatherings, especially 4th of July that included family, friends and neighbors.  His new hobby was smoking meats and perfecting his smoked turkey and beef.  The hobby soon became a business and he was in the process of setting up a mobile food trailer. 

Danny served as a board member of the Cove Ditch.  He was a past member of the Big Sky Iris Club and always loved and grew iris as well as peonies.   His favorite books were written by CJ Box and he had an entire collection of the books.  He and Sonny attended every book signing that CJ Box had in Billings.

Danny always had several dogs and treated them as family.   He had a soft spot in his heart when it came to rescue dogs.

He was a lifelong member of the First Congregational Church and he held a trustee position.  His last wishes were to “take care of my church and my family.”

Left to cherish Danny’s memory are his wife Sonny;  stepchildren Scott (Dawn) and Robin (Dudes), grandson Jordan; great granddaughter Aurora; sisters Carole (Ruben) and Linda (Gary) and half-bother Elden, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Danny’s life will be Saturday, August 27 at noon on the Dan Ruff farm.  A tractor/vehicle procession will start at the haul road east of the house by the red gate.  Services will be up on the hill.  A potluck will follow at Corinthian Lodge - Masonic building on Airport Road from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

 Bring your favorite dish!   If you have any questions, call Scott at 406-581-5851 – leave a message.  Casual outdoor attire.  Ride a 4-wheeler, side-by-side vehicle, etc.  All friends and family are welcome.  Please join us in celebrating Danny’s life.

A special Thank you to Pastors Derrek Ross and Pateng Makdoh for spending time with Danny, it was gratefully appreciated.

Memorial contributions may be made in Danny’s name to the First Congregational Church, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR) or to a rescue dog charity of your choice.