Alyson Louise Ruff-Roberts

Alyson Louise Ruff-Roberts nee Ruff died at home of natural causes Sunday, June 18, 2023 at

the age of 58.

She was born on October 6, 1964 in Bremerton to Patrick Edward Ruff and Bonnie Baker Ruff.

She grew up in Belfair and attended North Mason schools, was active in music and theater, was

ASB Treasurer, and graduated as Valedictorian of the Class of 1982.

She continued her education at the University of Puget Sound (UPS) where she graduated with

a double major in Biology and Music. She was a member of the Adelphians choir. At UPS she

developed an interest in microbes that live in extreme environments, likely influenced by her

love of science fiction. This led her to pursue a Masters Degree at Montana State University

(MSU) in Bozeman, doing ground breaking research into the microbial communities living in the

hot springs of Yellowstone National Park. After receiving her Masters Degree in 1992 she

worked in R&D in the biotechnology industry for several years, developing non-invasive

methods for genetic testing.

While at MSU she met Peter Roberts, a graduate student from England. They were married

June 1, 1991, in Burton in England. Alyson had dreamed of being married in a cathedral in

England but a 12th century church had to suffice. They settled in Massachusetts where they

both worked in the biotechnology industry. Alyson decided to become a fulltime mom after her

first son, Miles Peter Ruff-Roberts, was born in 1999. Her second son, Siôn Evelyn

Ruff-Roberts, was born in 2002. Both of them were born in Milford, MA. The family

subsequently lived in Maryland for a few years before moving to Belfair to be closer to family.

Alyson enjoyed reading, cooking, movies, and travel. She continued to be involved in music

wherever she lived, including the Bremerton Symphony Chorale. She was very involved in her

children's education and interests, initially homeschooling them and later a "volunteer mom" in

the North Mason school system for the Marching Band and Destination Imagination. She was

also involved in running the 4-H Club at the Salmon Center in Belfair.

Alyson is survived by her husband Peter, her sons Miles and Siôn, her mother Bonnie Ruff, and

her brother Brian Ruff.

Alyson was an intelligent, generous, and compassionate person. We have memories to share

with friends and family at a Gathering at the Mosquito Fleet Winery Pavilion in Belfair, at the

intersection of Old Belfair Highway and North Shore Road. Please join us on Friday, July 14,

from 1 pm to 4 pm.

For those interested in making charitable donations in Alyson's memory: the North Mason music

program was always near and dear to Alyson's heart and the Alyson Ruff-Roberts North Mason

High School Music Scholarship has been established at Key Bank, 23731 NE State Rt 3, Belfair,

WA 98528, account # 478616069025, Bonnie Ruff executor; Donations in Alyson's name can

also be made to the Farm at Water's Edge 4-H Club (https://www.pnwsalmoncenter.org/4-h/).