Sylvia Mae Ruff, 87

SUDLERSVILLE, Md. - Sylvia Mae Ruff, of Sudlersville, died Monday, April 7, 2008, in Chester River Hospital Center, Chestertown. She was 87.

Mrs. Ruff was born Aug. 1, 1920, in Princeton, W.Va., daughter of the late Manley McBride Tilley and Luella (Blankenship) Tilley. She was one of 14 children.

She worked at the powder plant in Elkton in the 1930s, then during World War II she worked for the Glenn L. Martin Co. as a drill press operator and riveter.

From 1946-86 she resided in Gray Manor of Baltimore County where she was a homemaker and mother.

From 1986–2008 she resided in Sudlersville with her husband of 62 years, Frank A. Ruff.

Mrs. Ruff enjoyed crocheting, word puzzles and loved working with her flowers and plants in her gardens.

She was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Dover.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ruff was preceded in death by four sisters, Nancy A. Tilley, Annis Anderson, Aretta Dixon and Pearlina Phelps; three brothers, Jonathan Tilley, Isaac Tilley and Acie C. Tilley Sr.; her mother and father-in-law, John and Rose Ruff; and brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Edna Ruff, Joseph Sr., Mildred Ruff, Gordon and Gloria Thomas and Elizabeth Ruff.

She is survived by her husband, Frank A. Ruff; one daughter, Wendy L. Haynes and husband Jim of Sudlersville; three brothers, Donald Tilley of Iron Station, N.C., David Tilley of Peterstown, W.Va., and Jimmy Tilley of Bell, Fla.; three sisters, Manda Allen of Ravencliffe, W.Va., Marie Smith of Sun City, Fla., and Peggy Adkins of McGraws, W.Va.; one grandchild, Bryan Haynes of Sudlersville; one brother-in-law, George Ruff of Seaford; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Services will be 3 p.m. Friday in the Fellows, Helfenbein and Newnam Funeral Home, 370 W. Cypress St., Millington, where friends may call one hour prior.

Interment will be held in Templeville Cemetery.