Jacqueline Ruf

Jackie was a dear friend and neighbor to the Baumann family, when we lived on Ohio St. I did babysit for the girls, and oftentimes in the summer, Jackie took us in the VW to the pool, we had so much fun!  When she invited us for dinner, she absolutely made the best lasagna ! I cherish her recipe and think of her every time I make it. Jackie and Fritz were such gracious guests at my wedding and Jackie visited our home to meet our first baby girl. Most importantly, she came to support me at both of my parents' funerals. We had many great phone conversations. Recently, my daughter and I took her to the Mineral Point Opera House to see a Michael Perry concert, one of her favorites. She really enjoyed the evening,  and even  purchased his book Population 485 for me. For many years, she was a blessing in my life, and for that I am grateful!

Grandma Jackie wasn’t my actual grandmother but she played the role superbly, attending every single performance milestone of my young adult life. And as an adult, anytime I performed in the Midwest, she was there with open arms and enthusiastic support. I will especially remember a particular meteor shower night at her house, where Sydney and I got to wake up in the middle of the night, take sleeping bags out to the grass, and watch the sky! Grandma Jackie’s style was impeccable, her smile and laugh infectious. An icon in grace and manner. I love her so much and will miss her deeply.

Jackie was one of my mom's best friends and the Ruf family holds a very special place in my heart. My sister and I often baby sat when they all lived on Ohio street before they moved into the country out on Willow Springs Lane. Jackie often sang solos in our church choir at Immanuel. She was also a great cook and would bring some of her wonderful desserts over to our house when she and my mom would get together. She was the reader of "Marriage" by Kahlil Gibran at my wedding which I so appreciated. She sewed my sister's matron of honor dress for my wedding and made a matching teddy bear with the leftover material. These may seem like small things to some, but to me they capture the love and friendship that Jackie always shared with me and my family. May she rest peacefully now and know that she touched many lives in a caring and compassionate way. Ingrid Olson

Jackie and her husband Fritz were special friends of our family. I loved to hear about their visits to my parents’ home in SC as they traveled to spend time in Florida. When Fritz passed, Jackie continued to join us in family adventures that involved time in Florida and even shared their condo with all sisters and friends on birthday getaways! My Mom was unable to join us on a kayaking experience through the mangrove tunnels, but Jackie was all in! She loved to explore the beauty of nature everywhere she went!