Rita Faye Ruff, 87, of Murray, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Anna Mae Owen Hospice House in Murray, Kentucky.
Rita was born on October 11, 1938, in Sunbury, Pennsylvania, to the late Frank Bartholomew and Faye Weaver Bartholomew.
As one of Jehovah’s Witnesses for her entire life, faith was a significant part of Rita’s life. Having been baptized as a young child, she always enjoyed reading and studying the Bible and taking the opportunity to gather together with others to share her faith. Known for her cheerful personality and her kind heart, Rita never met a stranger and always enjoyed sharing her ministry with others. Her infectious smile could light up any room and provide joy to anyone she ever met. Above all else, Rita loved her entire family. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt who will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her two daughters, Dawn Sanders (Bill) of Paducah, Kentucky and Sherry Robinson (Mark) of Puryear, Tennessee; her sister, Martha Thacker of Indiana; three grandchildren, Dustin Spears, Brittny McIntosh (Eric), and Sable Rieger (Josh); three great-grandchildren, Callie May TIpton, Paislie Ann Tipton, and Dawson Bobby Rieger; and many nieces and nephews spread throughout Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Shirley Shroyer, Janice Hanson, and infant Sharon Bartholomew; her four brothers, Richard Bartholomew, Frank Bartholomew, Jr., William Bartholomew, and Ronald Bartholomew; her parents, Frank Bartholomew and Faye Weaver Bartholomew; and her stepmother, Vera Wolken.
The family will be holding a memorial service at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses,1052 State Route 121, Murray, Kentucky 42071.
To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit www.filbeckandcann.com.
