Russell J. Ruh, Jr. was born in New Orleans and currently resides in Baton Rouge. He is married to Tammy Serpas (Charter President of the Louisiana Ladies Auxiliary Association), and has a son, Jonathan W. Ruh (a Past State Chief Squire and a Knight), and a daughter, Stephanie Marie Ruh Melancon, who is married to Jesus Jonathan Melancon (also a Knight). Russell made his first degree in 1988, joining St. Louis (now Father Maynard E. Hurst) Council 9016 in Baton Rouge and his fourth degree in 1994 joining Msgr. Lieux Assembly 2052 in Gonzales.

Russell has served in many positions in both the third degree – including Grand Knight, District Deputy, Area Coordinator, State Membership Director, and State Program Director – and the fourth degree – including Faithful Navigator, Color Corp Commander, Diocesan Coordinator, and Chief of Staff. He was also the Knight of the Year for his council in 1996, Sir Knight of the Year for his assembly in 2006, and Sir Knight of the Year for the District of Louisiana in 2002 while his family was Family of the Year for his council in 1999 and the District of Louisiana in 2004.

Russell is a parishioner of St. Louis King of France in Baton Rouge and has been a part of several ministries. He was also involved in St. Alphonsus Parish. He has also active with the youth, working in scouting, athletics, and the Columbian Squires.

At the 2011 Bienville Provincial Meeting, Russell was named Master of the Year for 2010 - 2011 in the Bienville Province. This is the second consecutive year the Master of Louisiana won the award as Gerard Thomas did the same in 2009 - 2010.