July 15, 1954 to February 2, 1971

The following was taken from the Power County Press, February 4, 1971.

Janet K. Ruff, 25, American Falls became Power County's second traffic fatality of the year in a two vehicle collision here early Tuesday.

The accident occurred a 1:00 AM, a half mile northeast of American Falls on Business #30 when the car driven by Mrs. Ruff drove left of the center line hitting a pickup driven by Harold M. Rosen, American Falls.  The Ruff car had been traveling northeast and the Rosen pickup southwest, according to the report of Deputy Harlan Wood.

Rev. Leonard Leisy, who with his wife had been returning from a son's birthday celebration in Pocatello, came upon the accident before the Ruff car had come to a stop.  He headed for the barrow pit to avoid the pickup but saw that it had stopped and was able to go around it.

Rev. Leisy reported the area foggy and the road damp.  He and his wife drove to the sheriff's office where they reported the accident and then returned to the scene.  Rev. Leisy waited and traveled in the ambulance to the Power County Hospital with Mrs. Ruff who died at about 2 AM.  Mrs. Leisy went to notify Mrs. Ruff's parents.

Rosen was hospitalized for lacerations of the left knee and leg and contusion of the chest with no apparent rib fractures according to the attending physician.  He is listed in satisfactory condition at Power County Hospital.

Janet Kay Ruff was born July 15, 1945 in American Falls the daughter of William and Lydia Workman Wilske.  She received her schooling in American Falls, and in Sept. of 1961 married Edwin Ruff in Aberdeen.  They later divorced.

She had worked as a waitress in several cafes in American Falls, and at the time of her death was employed at Rogers Cafe.  She was a member of the United Church of Christ.  Her hobby was bowling.

Survivors include her parents, two daughters, Brenda Lee, 8, and Gayle Anne, 5, one son, Barry LaMay, age 4, all of American Falls.  Three brothers, William, Tucson, Arizona; Lowell, Phoenix, Arizona; and James, Pocatello, Idaho.  Two sisters Mrs. Mary Henderson, Pocatello, and Paulett, American Falls.