Barry J. Ruff, a lifelong resident of Oxford, died unexpectedly on Jan. 5, 2019. He was 67.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John William Ruff and Dorothy Louise Ruff, as well as his brother, Jeff Ruff.  Barry is survived by his loving wife, Elizabeth (whom he married in 1979), his sister Karen (Howard) Fenner, and his four children, Heather (Harry) Brown, Jayson (Kelley) Ruff, Bridget (Nicholas) Weir and Joseph Ruff, as well as nine grandchildren, Jacob Lund, Ann-Louise Lund, McKinley Lund, Nathan Brown, Hannah Ruff, Benjamin Ruff, Owen Ruff, Brac Weir and Lyla Weir.  Barry was also favorite uncle to many nieces and nephews.

A 1969 graduate of Oxford High School, Barry spent many years working in the automotive parts and service industry due in no small part to his affection for cars and racing.

Barry’s life was radically changed when he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior. Thereafter, he and his wife Elizabeth took a leap of faith and attended Bible College at William Tyndale College, Farmington Hills, Michigan, to prepare for serving as missionaries in the bush country of Alaska.

Barry also learned to fly so that he and Elizabeth could get around Alaska’s bush, where there are no roads for travel.

Later, Barry attended The Master’s College in Santa Clarita, California, to prepare for certification with the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors.

Barry was certified in 2006 and spent countless hours working with people, pointing them to Christ.

Following 10 years of service in Alaska, Barry and Elizabeth returned home to Oxford, where Barry continued to serve as associate pastor at Marimont Community Church, Pontiac, Michigan. He most recently served as a hospice chaplin for Heart to Heart Hospice. Barry was also an elder at New Hope Church of Oxford.

A memorial visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 9 from 3 to 7 p.m. at Lynch & Sons Funeral Directors in Oxford with a memorial service at 5:30 p.m.