George Armstrong Ruffell

"Gorgeous" George Armstrong Ruffell, age 88, died of Pulmonary Embolism (cancer caused) on April 4, 2024.

George was born June 5, 1935, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He liked to tell people that he was "Gorgeous George". He was raised in Lindon, Utah. He has resided in Sandy for over 55 years.

He was the oldest of 11 children. He and four brothers lived in the barn next to the house. If he showed any social miscues, he could answer, "Why yes, I was raised in a barn!"  As a result--or in spite of it--he was able to become a compassionate, self-sufficient person. 

He spent his summers working on Uncle Tweedy's farm in Blackfoot, Idaho. He graduated from Pleasant Grove High School in 1953. He was drafted into the Army in the mid-1950’s; he was stationed in Germany. He attended Utah State University for a few years. An interesting fact, George got his pilot's license. What fun it was to fly in a small plane with him. 

He married the love of his life, MaryEllen Rugg in 1960. They had four children and twelve grandchildren. After MaryEllen's death in 2002, George married Rose in 2003. They divorced. He married Mitsue H. MacDonald. She passed in 2018.

George worked at the Tooele Army Depot as a technician. In the 70’s, he became a school bus driver. This gave him time to work in his garden. He had a great knowledge of plants and trees. Many people have benefited from the FRUITS of his labor. 

He was also mechanically inclined. He rebuilt a Ford Model T and A. He could build or repair almost anything. Many times, his conversation started, "can you tell what this is (or does)?" He enjoyed--almost obsessed--over getting the best deal on purchases. He was never known to pay full price for anything!

He has given so much service to his family, neighbors and in his callings to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When his parents died in 1964, three of his siblings came to live with him. One Church calling that he is probably most remembered by is that of Webelos leader. Those boys benefited from his experience and knowledge. 

He enjoyed visiting family, going on cruises, reading the National Geographic, watching sports, and clipping comics. He also enjoyed hiking, especially in the Wind River Range. He supported his grandkids in many of their sporting games and school activities. He got a big kick out of making them unique gadgets.

George is survived by daughters Lorene (Mike) Bunn of North Ogden; Arilyn Ruffell of West Jordan; his son, DeWayne (Amy) Ruffell, Layton; three brothers, Bill of Declo, Idaho, Fred, Millcreek, Jim (Mary) Declo, Idaho and one sister, Shirley (John) Potter of Herriman, Utah; 12 grandchildren: Derrick, Nicole, Jessica, Jared, Erika, Junji, Aspen, Dallin, Tyler, Zach, Kylee and Luke; 16 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents Percival Armstrong and Lorraine A. Christensen Ruffell, by his first wife, MaryEllen Rugg Ruffell and third wife Mitsue MacDonald; son, Layne A. Ruffell, brothers Richard, Robert and Dennis Ruffell and sisters Maryann Ruffell, Elaine Theurer and Norma Farley.

We are delighted to say that George now only sees "one pretty"! He no longer has double vision. We are so grateful for the knowledge that he is reunited with MaryEllen and other family members!

Friends are invited to greet his family during the viewing on Thursday, April 11^th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State Street, Midvale. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 12^th at 11:00 AM at the Hillcrest 2^nd Ward, 8735 S. Harvard Park Drive, Sandy, with a viewing one hour prior to services. Interment to follow services at Granite Cemetery, 2969 East 9800 South, Sandy.