Imogene Mills Ruff

Mrs. Imogene Mills Ruff, affectionately known as “Jean”, entered into rest on Monday, December 26, 2022, at PruittHealth at Spring Valley while surrounded by the love of her family, to whom she was extremely devoted. She was 90 years old.

Born on April 26, 1932, in the Flatwoods Section of Elbert County, Jean was the third of seven children born to Joseph Jackson “Jack” Mills and Ruth Lurleen Chandler Mills. She was a graduate of Elberton High School and furthered her education by taking business courses such as typing, shorthand, and bookkeeping.

While playing basketball with his sisters, Jean was introduced to Wallace Duran Ruff. The two quickly fell in love and he became her husband on June 15, 1950. He spoiled her to no end and ensured that she had all that she needed and most of what she wanted. They were blessed to have celebrated nearly 40 years of marriage at the time of his death on May 4, 1990.

Jean was the epitome of a southern homemaker. Her home was a place the entire family gathered every chance they had. She was a natural caretaker who cared for her entire family - grandchildren, nieces, and nephews alike knew that they could always count on “Grandma Ruff” or “Aunt Jean” to be there when they needed her the most.

Once marrying into the Ruff family, she became a member of Falling Creek Baptist Church, a place that she dearly loved. Jean was a member of the church choir and former Sunday school teacher. Mrs. Ruff was a charter member of the Elbert County Saddle Club and the Elbert County Fish and Game Club. Some of her fondest memories were made at the Saddle Club and at the lake, and her flower gardens were a place from which she received great tranquility. After her children were grown, she enjoyed working at Cato’s Fashions. Jean was a dedicated member of the Elbert Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and thoroughly loved her time as a Pink Lady.

Survivors include her children: Randy Wallace Ruff, Sr. and Debbie Jean Ruff Bare and her husband Kevin, all of Elberton; siblings: Doris Blevins of Anderson, SC, Vera and George Carroll of Elberton, and Ray Mills of Elberton; sisters-in-law: Joyce Mills, Peggy Greenway, Janet Ruff, and Theresa and W.D. Albertson, all of Elberton; grandchildren: Bryan and Darlene Acker, John and Breanna Acker, Randall and Tiffanie Ruff, Paul and Eden Acker, Megan and Barry Bryant, Martin Ruff, and Brooke Young; eleven great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and one great-great-grandchild expected soon.

In addition to her parents and husband, she is preceded in death by her siblings: J.C. Mills, Frances Sherard, and Bobby Mills.

The family is at their respective homes and will receive friends at Berry Funeral Home on Thursday, December 29, from 6:00-8:00pm. and on Friday, December 30, from 1:00-1:45p.m.

Funeral services celebrating Mrs. Ruff’s life will be held on Friday, December 30, at 2:00p.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Berry Funeral Home with the Revs. Wayne Barger and Jackie Newton officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memorial Park with Bryan Acker, John Acker, Paul Acker, Cole Acker, Alex Acker, Randall Ruff, Garrett Ruff, and Jay Acker honored as pallbearers.

Flowers are accepted, and contributions may be made in her memory to Falling Creek Baptist Church, 1020 Jack McVeigh Drive, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Imogene "Jean" Mills Ruff.