James A. Ruof, 78

James A. Ruof, 78, of 370 Delp Road, died Saturday, September 8, 2007 at his residence. Born in Lancaster, he was the son of the late Frederick C. and Anna M. Skramusky Ruof. He was the husband of Rita M. Weatherly Ruof to whom he was married for 49 years.

Mr. Ruof retired from Armstrong World Industries after 39 years of service.

He started his working career at the Research & Development Center as a draftsman and later served in drafting / design at Armstrong’s Camden, NJ plant and at the Beaver Falls plant; then worked at the Innovation Center as a design draftsman and supervisor of Engineering Design Services. For many years he provided product and advertising drawings for Lancaster Level Flo Silo Company. After retirement from Armstrong, he worked as a messenger for the Fulton Bank.

A life-long member of St. Anthony’s Church, he was a member of the Holy Name Society; was chairman of St. Anthony’s Centennial Celebration. And served as a Eucharistic Minister. He was a past member of the Knights of Columbus.

A 1947 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School, he also attended Stevens Technical Trade School, and Geneva College in Beaver Falls.

Mr. Ruof was a veteran of the US Air Force and served as a PT instructor in the basic training commands in Texas. He later served with the 86^th Fighter Bomber Group in Germany.

He was a member of the Lancaster Historical Society; enjoyed doing pen and ink artistry, with drawings appearing in many Historical Society Journals. His hobbies included painting tavern Signs; building airplane models; researching family genealogy; traveling and reading historical books. He was also a member of ARP.

Surviving besides his wife are three daughters: Beth Wall of Washington, PA., Amy Lakis, married to Geoffrey of Ellicott City, MD, and Mary Ruof, partner to Russell Rains of Austin, TX; and eight grandchildren: Erin C. Wall, Christopher J. Wall, Megan N. Wall, Kelly E. Wall, Adam J. Bednar, Collin D. Bednar, Angela L. Lakis, Anneka E. Rains; one brother, Fred C. Ruof, husband of Melissa Daugherty of Baltimore, MD.,and two sisters; Joan, wife of Bill Evans of Cincinnati, OH, and Anne Flinn of Summerville, SC.

A  memorial mass will be held on Tuesday, September 11^th, 2007 at St. Anthony of Padua, 501 E. Orange St., Lancaster at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Resurrection School 521 E. Orange St., Lancaster, PA 17602. Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home and Chapel, Inc. in charge of the arrangements.