Cheryl Lyn Ruff, 70, of Coloma, passed away on Jan. 30, 2021 at Lakeland Medical Center in St. Joseph surrounded by her family.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 5 at Twelve Corners Community Church in Benton Harbor. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday at Duffield & Pastrick Family Funeral Home in Coloma. Memorial donations in Cheryl’s memory may be made to the Twelve Corners Community Church Building Fund. Those wishing to leave a message or share a memory with the family online may do so at www.duffieldpastrick.com.
Cheryl was born Aug. 25, 1950 in Benton Harbor to John and Sharon (Ostrom) Bachman. She was a loving daycare provider for numerous families for the past 36 years and enjoyed being part of so many little hearts. Her love and tenderness with all the children made an impact for a lifetime. Cheryl loved her Twelve Corners Community Church family, singing in the gospel group “The Sonlights” for over 30 years including a trip to sing in England, Scotland and Ireland. Her first love was in Jesus, then her family and all of her numerous friends. Cheryl crocheted almost every evening as she watched TV and truly enjoyed attending and rooting on her grandkids in any of their sport activities. Cheryl always had a smile and caring heart that made everyone near her feel loved. She had a passion for music including taking many trips with her church ladies to Gatlinburg to see her favorite group The Gaither Vocal Band along with their many friends. She always had a song in her heart, singing “Amazing Grace” just before she passed. Cheryl is still with us, just in her new, healthy, eternal body.
Cheryl was a tremendous wife to David Ruff of almost 47 years; mother of three wonderful children Todd (Brigitte) Kelley, Tara Kelley and Brandy (Wilfredo) Jaquez; loving grandmother to five fantastic grandchildren Cody (Brandy) Kelley, Makenna (Travis) Clark, Owen Kelley, Grace Kelley and Celines Jaquez; and caring great-grandmother of four beautiful great-grandchildren Robbie Brooks, RyLynn Kelley, Paisley Clark and Rhett Clark. Also surviving are two brothers Kirk (Sharon Swigart) Bachman, Bret (Jan) Bachman, one brother-in-law David (Maria) Kelley, one sister-in-law Delores (Jim) Flippo, a bonus daughter Renee Leedy Pounders and numerous nieces and nephews.