Beautification & Trail Dedication

John Ruf passed away June 21, 2017, and on Saturday, Winterset residents dedicated to his memory two benches, at each end of the Winterset trail that crosses Cedar Creek.

John lived the motto "Understand the big picture, work hard and pay attention to details. Know what you have to do and then figure out how to get there."

The Ruf family lived on 120 acres on Chipman Road back when Chipman was a country lane. Dave Gale recalls “I met John and Maureen in the early ’90’s and together designed and built Winterset Woods. That we were able to preserve so many acres of such beautiful land within the Cedar Creek Valley is a testament to John’s long term view and his love of this special property. Winterset residents forever more will enjoy Missouri nature at its finest”.

The event started at 9 am with a Family Trail and Stream Clean. Trail maps, trash bags and gloves were provided. There was a scavenger hunt for the kids, with a prize for everyone who completed the hunt. Lunch followed at Winterset Summit Park, provided by the Social Committee. The John Ruf Trail Dedication Ceremony was later in the morning.

What a wonderful way to honor John Ruf and his commitment to protecting our natural environment. Take time to enjoy the John Ruf Trail and the two new benches in his honor.