George Robert Ruff was born on November 5, 1918 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to George Alma and Mary Ruff. He was raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and attended Provo High School. After graduating he studied at Brigham Young University, where he also served as editor of Banyan yearbook. During his time at the university he met Betty Clark, whom he married in 1943. They later had four children. Shortly after completing his degree, Ruff was drafted into the United States Army Air Corps. He served as a pilot and instructor in Italy for three years during WWII, completing 51 combat missions and earning two air medals. After the war he returned to civilian life, beginning a successful career with Evans Advertising in 1946. He eventually served as corporate president. He retired from the agency in 1984. Ruff was also involved in community affairs. He served on the Sunday School General Board for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for 13 years, and as a missionary at Temple Square for five years. He also served as president of the Mormon Youth Chorus and Symphony from 1992 to 1999. Ruff passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah on August 5, 2015.