Esther Tuff

Esther I. Tuff, 71, of Rushford, died Sunday, December 28, 2003 at her home. She was born on November 19, 1932, in Rushford to Elvin and Ida (Edwardson) Tuff. Esther was raised in Rushford and graduated from Rushford High School in 1950, where she was a member of the National Honor Society. Esther attended St. Olaf Collage for one year and then went to the Minnesota School of Business. Esther attended Winona State University and received her B.S. degree in Education in 1956. She was a member of Kappa Delta Pi, while at Winona State University. Esther taught fifth grade in Lewiston and Rochester, Minn. for 11 years. In the late 1960's Esther returned to the family farm in Rushford to help on the farm and to care for her parents. Esther is survived by one brother: Ernest Tuff of Rushford; one sister Doris Smelser of Citrus Heights, Cal. ; one nephew, Richard and one niece, Margo; four great-nieces and nephews: Michal, Micah, Josh, and Chris. Esther was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Herbert. The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2004, at the Rushford Lutheran Church with the Rev. Roger Michaelson officiating. Burial will be in the Rushford Lutheran Cemetery. Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, at Hoff Funeral Homes - Rushford Chapel and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. The family prefers memorials to be directed to the Rushford Lutheran Church.