ELLEN BANDY

Ellen Bandy passed away from this life on January 19, 2023 in Hugo, Colo. after a short battle with cancer. Ellen LaVerne Bandy was born to Huey and Alnore (Knutson) Bandy in Limon, Colo. on September 27, 1947. She was the fourth child of seven children. LaVerne, as she often went by, spent her childhood growing up in Wiggins and Limon. She was a 1966 Limon Badger graduate. LaVerne worked at the Limon Theatre under Wanda McCarthy, and that is where she met her husband-to-be, Thomas L. Ruff. They were married on December 18, 1966. To this union bought them two children, Kimberly Ann and Kevin Sean. LaVerne was a homemaker for many years. She and her two children would return to Limon in 1976, where she worked in the kitchen at the Limon School. LaVerne reconnected with an old high school friend, James Webb. Jim and LaVerne were married June 23, 1979, they resided in Karval, and to this union brought a son, Christopher Huey. LaVerne loved being a farmer/ rancher’s wife. She often helped with the cattle, branding and drove truck at harvest. LaVerne’s passions were growing a garden, planting flowers and sewing. She also loved getting together with friends, crafting and bowling.

LaVerne became a grandmother for the first time on April 9, 1993. She loved her grandchildren more than anything else in the world. She tried to spend as much time as she could making things for them, and going places to watch their activities. In 1999, LaVerne moved to Cheyenne Wyo., and it became harder for her to spend the time she wanted to with children and grandchildren, so the times they got together became even more special to her. In November 2019, her children moved her back to Limon, where she had hoped to be able to be more involved with her family. Then COVID hit and in May of 2021 the diagnosis of cancer, and that made it almost impossible for her to get to do all the things she had planned. She lived a life of love and kindness, and to the very end with a smile on her face. She was extremely proud of her family and they all love her dearly. LaVerne is survived by brother Ted (Patricia) Bandy; two sisters Helen Bandy and Wanda (Jim) Brittain; her three children Kimberly Ruff, Kevin (Rachel) Ruff and Christopher (Jennifer) Webb; her seven grandchildren Coltyn, Tavien, Hannah, Paige, Lance and Adelaide along with many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents, half brother Gene, sister Shirley and brother Huey Jr. A Celebration of Life will be held later in the Spring/Summer when the weather warms up to be outdoors which she loved best.