Dana C. Ruff

November 27, 1959 - July 6, 2016

Frankfort School District 157 officials are mourning the loss of a beloved music teacher.

School officials announced the death of Dana Ruff, who passed away on Wednesday. Ruff was a key to starting the band program at Hickory Creek Middle School.

“Mrs. Ruff built an outstanding band program in the Frankfort school district,” District 157

Superintendent Maura Zinni said in a district news release. “She spent her career doing what she loved most — bringing the gift of music to children. We will miss this dedicated and talented teacher.”

Ruff was hired in 1989, after spending six years teaching at the high school level. According to the release, Ruff wanted to help teach the fundamentals of music to help inspire children early.

Her first year, she had no band budget and about 25 students. Ruff worked with other band directors to borrow equipment. By the end of her first year, she had 77 members in the band.

District officials noted that in her second year, she worked with parents to establish a band booster club and began raising money to purchase instruments. By the end of the second year, there were 110 members in band. During the 2015-16 school year, the Tiger Band had more than 140 students and the Jazz Band had more than 100 students.

“She was the reason that so many students wanted to be a part of the program, leave their comfort zone and try something new and exciting,” the release stated.

In the district release, Hickory Creek Middle School Principal William Seidelmann said that Ruff established an “insurmountable tradition” and inspired thousands of students through her teaching.

“We will always remember the lasting impression she made on our school and our community,” Seidelmann said. “The Frankfort 157-C family will always remember Dana Ruff, her many accomplishments and her passion for excellence.”

Grief counseling will be made available for District 157-C students and staff from Monday-Thursday, from 8:15 to 11:45 a.m., at Grand Prairie Elementary School, 10480 W. Nebraska St., Frankfort. Appointments can be made by calling (815)806-4026. Walk-ins are also welcome.

Dana is preceded in death by her parents and 1 brother. She is survived by her husband Robert, daughter Meghan (Ryan) Retter, 7 brothers and sisters, and grandchildren Jackson & Logan. A memorial tribute will be held on Friday, July 15 at Hickory Creek Middle School from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Doors will be opening at 2:15 pm. In lieu of flowers, family requests donations to be made to:

Frankfort School District 157 C

The Band & Orchestra Boosters

10482 West Nebraska Ave.

Frankfort, IL 60423