Kenneth Ruffer Jr.

Kenneth Alexander Ruffer Jr. (63) passed away on September 13, 2025 at his lake house on Finch Lake in Decatur, MI. He died quickly of cardiac arrest, surrounded by his family while playing a game. Ken grew up in Addison, IL and then lived in Lombard, IL.

Ken was a custom cabinet maker who created beautiful furniture in which he poured his heart. He was a scholarship gymnast at Kent State University, an avid softball player for 46 years, an impactful coach for 15 years, and an advanced SCUBA diver. Ken lived an incredibly active life. He was strong, disciplined, and gave his all to everything he did. Each day he accomplished something and could fix almost anything that was broken. He loved games of all kinds — sports, board games, and especially trivia. Ken’s happy place was on his boat or driving his Jeep with the doors off.

Above all, Ken’s greatest joy was his family. He was a proud “Girl Dad,” raising strong, independent daughters. Just four weeks before his passing, he welcomed his first grandson, an amazing blessing.

He was survived by his wife, Sara (Bates) Ruffer; his daughters, Alexandra Ruffer and Kelly (Greg) Binder; and his grandson, Grant Alexander Binder. He was survived by his sisters; Lori Devitt, Pamela Ruffer, and Jill (Tim) Kirby, and by his mother, Margaret Ruffer. He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Frank Devitt, his father, Kenneth A. Ruffer Sr., and his mother-in-law Jill Bates.

Ken will be sincerely missed by his in-laws: James “Otie” Bates, Angie and Mike Karesh; Tim and Joni Bates; Becky and Jim Avers; Suzan Bates; and Mike and Teri Bates.

He was also a beloved Uncle to many nieces and nephews including: Jamie and Jonah Malarsky, Jackie and Bobby Brancato, and Frankie and Joe Tucker; Riley, Casey, Shea, Allie, and Ryder Kirby; Greg and Lisa Karesh, Amy and Chris Schultz, Brian and Bailey Avers, Steven and Cammie Avers, Tommy and Amy Avers, Sam and Caitlin Avers; Ender, Jeff and Emma Bates; and Heather and Denice Beltran.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ken’s name to the Jill Bates Scholarship Fund at Mayslake Ministries or the Anthony Rizzo Foundation .

There will be a celebration of life Sunday, September 28th 11:00am – 2:00pm at The Danada House, Wheaton IL.