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Linda Lee Ruff, 85, of Alamogordo, loving daughter, mother and grandmother went home to be with the Lord, May 11, 2024. Linda was born April 23, 1939, in Winfield, Kansas, the only child to Frances Addison (Dusty) Hudson and Dortha Lee Dewitt. Linda spent her childhood raised by her devoted Grandparents, Frank and Sara Hudson, before moving to El Centro, California upon their passing. Linda lived with her uncle and aunt, Ernest and Martha Hudson, while she finished her education at El Centro High School where she graduated in 1957.
Linda was fortunate to live and work at many interesting places across the country, including the University of Alaska in Fairbanks, Alaska, Sacramento Peak Observatory in Sunspot, New Mexico, and as an office manager at Triangle Distributors in Tupelo, Mississippi, to name a few. After returning to New Mexico in 1993, Linda volunteered her time and talents with the American Red Cross, the Otero County Cancer Center, and the Flickinger Guild. She was a “cradle” Episcopalian and a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church. Linda was also a true lover of all animals. She rescued many shelter dogs and took in neighborhood stray cats. Her backyard desert turtles led quite the life, as they were always well fed with leftover fruits and vegetables and, the family favorite, spoon fed wet dog food. All she had to do was walk on the porch, tap the can, and they would come running.
Linda was preceded in death by her grandparents, parents, her loving husband, Dennis Ruff, her eldest daughter, Cindy Matteson, and her only son, Derek Ruff. She is survived by her daughters, Debbie Spencer, of Dallas, TX, Kim Buie and husband John of Weatherford, TX, and bonus daughter, Katy Jennings of Alamogordo, NM. She leaves behind her grandchildren: Mikael Matteson and wife Trina of Ocala, FL; Nichole Herod and husband Daryl of Nacogdoches, TX; Joshua Hardy of Minneapolis, MN; Dustin Castro and wife Brittany of Boerne, TX; Krystal Matteson and partner Billy Call of Davenport, FL; Anthony Ruff of Las Cruces, NM; Ilea Brooks and husband Jack of Rio Rancho, NM; Morgan Buie, and Blair Laughley and husband Hunter, all of Fort Worth, TX; and Richard Jennings of Alamogordo, NM. She was blessed with four great-grandchildren: Payton, Jocelyn, Mariela and Samantha. Also left behind is her loyal pup, Lucy.
The entire family is eternally thankful to Linda’s companion, friend, and caretaker these past 10 years, Joe “Tim” Williams. Tim, along with devoted friends, Jon Williams and Chris Jennings, were a blessing to our Mom and our family. We are forever grateful.
At Linda’s request, there will be no services. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please make donations to the City of Alamogordo Animal Shelter or the Otero County Animal Shelter in her name.
