Phyllis Mae Stanberry Rueff, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at her Nashville home on Oct. 13 surrounded by her family and the love of her devoted husband of more than 60 years. She was 81.
Born in Fayetteville, Ark., on March 15, 1943, Mrs. Rueff grew up in a close-knit family and attended Fayetteville High School before pursuing her passion for dental hygiene at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Her plan to return to Fayetteville as the first dental hygienist there changed when her best friend set her up on a blind date. She reluctantly agreed to go and met the love of her life, Dr. David A. Rueff, beginning a lifetime of love and adventure.
The couple married on June 11, 1964, and together they built a strong and nurturing home at Valley View Farm in Knoxville, a 64-acre sanctuary where their five children, eight grandchildren, and extended family and friends created countless cherished memories.
Throughout her life, Mrs. Rueff poured her heart into her family, ensuring that each person felt seen, loved, and valued. Her warm smile and boundless generosity left an indelible mark on all who had the fortune of knowing her. She was a devoted mother, “Gamma,” “Nanny,” and friend.
In addition to her role as a loving homemaker, Mrs. Rueff was an astute businesswoman. After her children were grown and became independent, she took over management of the day-to-day operations of Dr. Rueff’s busy OB/GYN practice until his retirement in 2000. She then turned her talents to helping run her nephew Art Clancy III’s custom woodworking business, Clancy Custom Woodworking, before she and Dr. Rueff moved to Nashville in 2015.
A woman of deep faith, Mrs. Rueff was a devout Catholic whose life was guided by her love for Christ and service to others. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and compassion that will be remembered and treasured by her family and friends.
Mrs. Rueff was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Argie Stanberry; her sister, Shirley Stanberry Lucas; and her brother, Ernest Stanberry Jr. She is survived by her devoted husband, Dr. David Rueff of Nashville; her children, David Rueff Jr. (Dawn) of Jackson, Miss., Ellen Rueff Strunk (Randall) of Birmingham, Ala., Andrew Rueff (Betsy) of Knoxville, Sarah Rueff Ryan of Las Vegas, and Mary Rueff Hobeika (Omar) of Nashville. She also leaves behind eight cherished grandchildren, Alex Rueff (Jordan), Blake Rueff (Elizabeth), Cole Rueff, Josef and Nadia Hobeika, Gabby Ryan, and Anna and Benjamin Rueff; as well as her great-grandchild, Hazel Rueff.
Donations in Mrs. Rueff’s memory can be made to Samaritan’s Purse at https://www.samaritanspurse.org/memorial-page/phyllis-rueff-nashville-tn/ or St. Joseph’s Indian School (Lakota) at stjo.org/flowers.
A funeral Mass for Mrs. Rueff was celebrated on Oct. 26 at Immaculate Conception Church in Knoxville. Father Joe Ciccone, CSP, served as the celebrant.
