Sherri Irene Kennedy Ruf

Sherri Irene Kennedy Ruf

March 11, 1965 - Oct. 18, 2013

OBERLIN, Kansas -- Sherri Irene Kennedy Ruf was born March 11, 1965, in Norton, Kansas, to Jerry and Imogene (Scott) Kennedy. She went home to be with her Lord on Friday, Oct. 18, 2013, surrounded by her loving family.

While growing up, Sherri's family lived in Lenora until 1978, when they moved to Danbury, Nebraska. She attended Lenora Grade School and graduated from Beaver Valley High School in Lebanon, Nebraska, in 1983.

On Sept. 24, 1983, Sherri was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Robert Ruf, at the Presbyterian Church in Lebanon. They began their married life on a farm near Wilsonville, Nebraska. Two children blessed their union, Ryan and Sarah.

During this time, Sherri attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney and earned a bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1991. She then taught at a country school near Marion, Nebraska.

In 1995, the family moved to Oberlin, Kansas. Sherri taught at Oberlin Elementary School, mostly in the fourth grade. In addition, she coached volleyball for 15 years and helped coach track. Sherri loved her "kids" and made a big impact on the lives of the students she taught and coached over the years.

Bob and Sherri made many good friends during their marriage and enjoyed getting together with them, especially to play cards. Sherri was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who loved her family dearly. She treasured time spent with family, especially her four grandchildren who were her pride and joy.

Sherri's passing leaves a void in so many lives, but memories of her warm smile, kind heart and gentle spirit will forever dwell in our hearts.

Survivors include her husband, Bob; son and daughter-in-law, Ryan and Jamie Ruf of Quinter; daughter, Sarah Smith of Oberlin; grandchildren, Jax and Bo Ruf and Giada and Giuliana Smith; brother, Mark Kennedy of Danbury, Nebraska; sisters, Kelly and Rick Bethel of Wilsonville, Nebraska, and Roxanne Kennedy and Shelley McGhie of Snohomish, Washington; in-laws, Ed and Ruth Ruf of Wilsonville, Nebraska; sisters-in-law, Barb and Kevin Hitt of Long Island and Bev and Bill Mooreberg of Keller, Texas; nephews and nieces; other relatives and friends. Sherri was preceded in death by her parents.

Services are Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2013 at 10 a.m. at The Gateway in Oberlin with the Rev. Nancy Proffitt officiating. Interment is at the Oberlin Cemetery.

Visitation is Tuesday, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Pauls Funeral Home in Oberlin. Condolences may be left at www.paulsfh.com.

Memorial may be given to the Sherri Ruff High School Scholarship Endowment.

Pauls Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.