Nancy Elizabeth Reagan Ruff

Nancy Elizabeth Reagan Ruff, age 78, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026.

Nancy was born on July 5, 1947, in San Antonio, she made her home in Long Beach beginning in 1960 and became a beloved member of the community she cherished so deeply.

Nancy was preceded in death by her father, Otis Douglas Reagan; her mother, Kathryn Amelia Dowdy Reagan; her husband, Garry Evan Ruff; and her brother, Ronald S. Reagan, all of Long Beach.

She is survived by her loving children, Charles Robert Head of Biloxi and Brian Thomas Head (Amy) of Pass Christian; her stepchildren, Paul Ruff (Cindy) of Starkville and Lori Ruff Cripple (John) of Long Beach; her sister, Rebecca Reagan Hutto (Davis) of Long Beach and children Cory Hutto (Ali), Eric Hutto, and Amelia Elizabeth Pate (Hunter); sister-in-law, Lucy Morrow Reagan of Long Beach and children Steven and Jay Reagan; brother-in-law, Jerry Ruff (Sharon); sister-in-law, June Leasure (Charles), and her cherished grandchildren, Daniel (Maria Ory), Craig and Reagan Ruff, and Kaylee and Madelyn Cripple

Nancy earned her master’s degree and devoted 25 years to teaching in the Long Beach Public School system. She shaped young minds, encouraged countless students, and left a lasting mark on generations of families. She touched many lives and was beloved by all who knew her.

Nancy found joy in life’s simple blessings. She loved birds and delighted in watching them gather outside her windows. Her gardens were filled with beauty and care, much like the love she gave so freely to others. Nancy was known for making cookies that she gladly shared with friends, neighbors, and anyone who needed a little kindness. She had a generous heart and never missed an opportunity to help someone in need or brighten another person’s day.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Nancy was a devoted member of First Methodist Church of Long Beach, where she faithfully served and found great comfort in her church family.

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Wall, Dr. Rizk, Dr. Thomasson, the staff at Memorial Hospital, and St. Joseph Hospice for their compassionate care and support.

In lieu of flowers, Nancy’s family asks that you honor her memory by performing a random act of kindness for someone in need—just as she would have done.

Nancy’s warmth, faith, generosity, and gentle spirit will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, at First Methodist Church of Long Beach, where friends may visit beginning at 10:00 a.m. A reception will be held at the Church Following the service.

Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15th Street, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family of Nancy Elizabeth Reagan Ruff.