Donna Leigh Ruf, 87, of Wichita Falls, passed away on Tuesday, June 28, 2022.

Private family services will be held under the direction of Lunn's Colonial Funeral Home.

A daughter of the late Lillian (Schultz) and Joe Birkle, Donna was born on September 18, 1934, in Shattuck, Oklahoma. She and Rhodney A. Ruf were married in Shattuck on December 25, 1952, and were blessed with two daughters, Renae and Rena.

After staying home with the girls until they were in school, Donna pursued her education at Midwestern State University graduating on May 24, 1975, Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's in Fine Arts in Art Education. Following her graduation, she taught art at Hirschi High School, Wichita Falls High School (Old High) and Zundy Junior High.

Donna and Rhodney traveled to national parks across the country. They especially loved spending time in the mountains of Colorado. They also enjoyed attending art shows and visiting museums together.

Along with her parents, Donna was also preceded in death by her brothers, Joe Birkle and Byron Birkle; and her sister, Betty Black.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, Rhodney A. Ruf; her daughters, Renae Gaines and husband, Charles; and Rena Morgan and husband, Jim; grandchildren, Alyssa Ray and husband, Phillip; William Gaines and wife Kailee; Chris Gaines and wife, Hannah; and Leah Morgan; and 6 great-grandchildren.

For those desiring, memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of Wichita Falls, 4909 Johnson Road, Wichita Falls, TX 76310.