Del G. Ruff, 84, of Hutchinson, died Monday, June 5, 2017. He was born November 27, 1932, in Larned, to W. Glenn and Bessie (Peterson) Ruff. Del graduated in 1950 from Pittsburg High School and received a bachelor's degree from Pittsburg State University. In 1964, he graduated from the University of Colorado with a master's degree and later received a specialist degree from Emporia State University.

He married Mary Yates on June 12, 1959, in Pittsburg. They shared almost 58 years of marriage.

Del taught in Nederland, CO, then in Thornton, CO. After receiving his master's degree, he was the audio-visual coordinator at the high school in Arlington Heights, IL. He later moved to Hutchinson, where he was the audio-visual supervisor for the public schools. He also taught social studies and photography. He retired in 1994. Del then pursued his passion for photography by taking wedding, anniversary and confirmation pictures for St. Teresa's Catholic Church and Emanuel Lutheran Church. Many of his photos were featured in Kansas magazine and other publications. He served on New Beginnings and the Reno County Food Bank boards.

Del served as a medic in the United States Army in Heidelberg, Germany, at the Army hospital there.

He is survived by: wife, Mary; son, Philip and wife Glenda; daughter, Karen; and grandchildren, Lauren and Tommy.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Private family burial was held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson, and Masonic Rites were conducted by Hutchinson-Reno Masonic Lodge #124 A.F. & A.M. Memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2017, at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 140 E. 30th Ave., Hutchinson, with Pastor Tim Carey officiating. Military honors will follow, conducted by Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Friday at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Beginnings or Salthawk Community Support, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.