- Date Of Birth: April 13, 1960
- Date Of Death: April 24, 2022
- State: Florida
On April 24, 2022, a beloved and accomplished keyboardist was reunited with his mother in heaven. Kenneth Ruf passed away during heart surgery at the Boca Raton Regional Hospital at the young age of 62. Kenny was born on April 13, 1960 in Kansas City, Missouri, where he lived until the family moved to Overland Park, Kansas when he was 8 years old. A year later, he began organ lessons and found his lifelong calling. His teacher immediately recognized Kenny’s natural talent and knew he would become an amazing musician.
After graduating from Shawnee Mission South High School, Kenny attended college at Johnson County Community College, where he received his Associates Degree in Music Composition. He later returned to his studies at the UMKC Conservatory of Music, where he was also a member of their traveling jazz band. After following his family to Boca Raton, Florida, he continued his education at Florida Atlantic University. There, he wrote amazing compositions and played at many prestigious events. Kenny loved to honor the Lord with his music.
During his time in the Kansas City area, he made many friends especially with fellow musicians. He retained those relationships even after moving to Florida, where he developed numerous new long lasting friendships.
He is preceded by his mother, Maria Ruf. He is survived by his father, William Ruf, his sister Juliana Ybarra (husband Manny and son Angelo), and his brother Michael Ruf (wife Khanh, daughter Ashley, and son Justin).
Kenny will be fondly remembered for his amazing piano playing, love of music, food, and coffee, and his great big caring heart.
