Former state Sen. Frank Ruff, R-Mecklenburg County, has died, according to the governor's office.

Ruff, 75, was one of the highest-ranking lawmakers in the General Assembly and was considered a leader in efforts to promote economic development in rural areas.

Ruff won re-election last year but resigned in December for health reasons. He was diagnosed with cancer in October 2023 and had surgery in November, but then he learned the cancer had spread. He said his rehabilitation program would not allow him to continue his service in Parliament.

His resignation triggered a special election in January that resulted in his former aide Tammy Mulchi being elected in his place.

Ruff received honors from both sides of the aisle. “He was quiet and humble but effective as a legislator,” said state Sen. Creigh Deeds, D-Charlottesville. “He was a friend.”

“His death is a great loss, not only to his family and friends, but also to the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Sen. Mark Obenshain, R-Rockingham County, chairman of the Senate Republican Caucus. “Frank led with a quiet, intelligent dignity that earned him the respect of everyone he worked with, regardless of their political affiliation.”

Gov. Glenn Youngkin said Ruff's “legacy will be felt throughout the Commonwealth, not for years to come, but for generations to come… Frank's decades of service to the people of Virginia – spanning the General Assembly since 1993, the Mecklenburg Board of Supervisors before that, and… ultimately as a citizen member and chair of the Tobacco Regional Revitalization Commission – accomplished by few but inspiring many.”

His successor in the Senate, Mulchi, said: “My personal loss is indescribable in the passing of one of the most honorable men I have ever known.” Senator Frank Ruff was not only a former employer to me, but a lifelong friend, mentor and father figure . While he leaves a legacy of achievements in Southside Virginia and throughout the state like few have ever done, his greatest achievements have always been those of his amazing wife, children and grandchildren. His service and commitment to positive change in rural Virginia and the Commonwealth of Virginia will continue for generations to come.”

At the time of his resignation, Ruff was expected to be the ranking Republican on the Senate Budget Committee. Ruff was best known for his work promoting economic development in rural Virginia.

“The workforce training programs we have implemented in our region are and will continue to create good-paying jobs so that the next generation can live, pursue careers and raise their families here,” he said in a statement at the time.

Ruff was a member of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission – the so-called tobacco commission concerned with building a new economy in former tobacco-growing regions – since its inception and was chairman of the panel at his death.

He also served as chairman of the Center for Rural Virginia, a state nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting economic growth in rural areas. Last year, lawmakers renamed the group the Frank M. Ruff Jr. Center for Rural Virginia.

No funeral arrangements have been announced, according to the Senate Secretary's statement. Those sending cards may mail them to the family home at 237 Old Rock Road, Clarksville, VA 23927.

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