Kennedy Grace Ruff, 6 months

Kennedy Grace Ruff, 6 months, was born in Portland, Oregon, on June 29, 2016, to Shawn and Jyndia Ruff, who is formerly of Kalispell. She arrived in her own perfect timing- nearly two weeks late (a characteristic she received from her mommy).

Our sweet baby girl “danced into the loving arms of Jesus” on Friday, Dec. 30, 2016.

To all who knew her, she was full of life and love. Her spirit was infectious and she truly brought joy to all who met her. In her short life, she moved to Montana from Portland at just three weeks old demonstrating how content she was to be on the go. She travelled across the country to meet her family and friends and made weekend trips to visit grandparents; often sleeping the entire drive of three or more hours.

Her beautiful smile and genuine giggle brightened everyone’s world including perfect strangers. Having only lived in Helena for three months she was already a celebrity around town. She attended most Capital High School sporting events to spend time with her daddy. She could easily be spotted with her pink headphones and binky. Kennedy’s personality emerged early. Her face had an expression for all things: surprise, concern, giddy happiness, wheels turning curiosity and adventure. She was a mobile little one always wanting to learn the next skill. She was content in nearly all situations and loved being outside.

Kennedy was friends with everyone. She would hold out her hands to be picked up with the biggest smile that would fill one’s heart with joyous love. She was loved fiercely by her family and friends. It was hard not to love her squishy cheeks and button nose.

Though Kennedy’s life was short, her impact has left a legacy. Her family and friends look forward to the day they can see her and play with her again. No doubt she has already introduced herself to family and friends who have gone before her. We love you little girl.

A funeral service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Gateway Center, 1710 National Avenue. A reception will follow the service at the Gateway center.

Please visit www.aswfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Kennedy.