ST. GEORGE — Southern Utah and Southern Nevada communities have been remembering the life of the teenager who died after a tragic incident while hiking Saturday on the Hurricane overlook by state Route 59.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.” And that is what all who knew Conly Warren Ruff called him — a true friend.
They started to echo his “footsteps in life” on Monday night as they released balloons as sunset started in his honor from the spot where the tragedy occurred.
The balloons rose and floated over Hurricane and La Verkin, each one carrying a “footprint” from Ruff and how that event changed all of their lives through skills, talents, humor and most importantly, his big heart.
“To know Conly was to love him” is what the beginning of his obituary read on the website of Moapa Valley and Virgin Valley Mortuaries.
Ruff was 17 years old when the fatal incident occurred. Having been raised in Moapa Valley, Nevada, the Ruffs moved to La Verkin in 2020.
Ruff, a senior at Hurricane High School, loved the outdoors. He found joy in such activities as hunting, fishing, motorbiking and working on his 1979 Ford truck.
He could be found working on his ’79 Ford truck day and night.
“He was an adventurous spirit and was happiest outside working on a project,” the obituary said.
Amber Payton, a family friend and chosen spokesperson confirmed that statement.
Besides being an outdoorsy person, Ruff played football for the school.
But humor was his trademark personality trait. Payton explained that he found humor and joy in everything, even the most “boring” of items.
He was even known to rock out to Elmo wile singing.
“What a kind-hearted, upbeat jokester he was,” Payton said.
A couple of other parents of students at Hurricane High complimented the kind works of Ruff, including how he supported one student and friend who suffered an accident, leaving her paralyzed.
Ruff was the youngest of four siblings, which include sister Mackenzie and brothers Cody and Colton. He had one niece, Lucia, who was a joy in his life. Ruff was described as being a proud uncle and adored his family.
His parents own Ruff Rentals and Backhoe Services LLC in La Verkin.
Fundraising efforts have already started to help the family during this time. A bank account has been set up at America First Credit Union under the name “Jeremy Ruff” and account No. 3475973. A Venmo has also been set up under the profile name: @sara-ruff-1.
Donation jars also have been passed around at local events, like high school games.
Friends in Moapa Valley have planned a car wash Saturday, March 4, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in Overton, Nevada, with all proceeds to help pay for his headstone.
“Everyone has been amazing,” said Payton, who is helping coordinate fundraising efforts. “The outpouring of the communities involved has been huge. Even fellow classmates, teens, have been donating like $10 here or $5 there.”
Washington County School District released the following statement Tuesday:
“It’s always heartbreaking to lose a student from our community. There really are no words of comfort to help relieve the grief and pain. We will have our crisis team available at Hurricane High. And we ask our parents and students to look out for their children and friends, to find those that are suffering through this loss, and direct them to one of our grief counselors.”
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 24 in Logandale, Nevada.
The family has asked the public to respect their privacy during this time of healing.
Editor’s note: St. George News does not claim any rights to the music which was played during the balloon launching ceremony in the introductory video. Additionally, St. George News reminds readers to exercise due diligence when donating online.
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