Richard Lee Ruff

Richard Lee Ruff was born on January 31, 1941 in Assumption, Illinois and passed away on February 6, 2016 in Toledo, Ohio. He graduated from Assumption High School in 1959, then joined the United States Marine Corps. His service from 1959 to 1965 included tours of duty in California, Japan and Vietnam. In 1968 he returned to active duty to serve in the United States Army and in 1969 went back to Vietnam. During the next 15 years he would serve stateside and overseas, and by 1983 had attained the rank of First Sergeant. He met and married fellow soldier Cynthia Clinton while serving in Korea in 1980. During his career he earned the Marine Corp Combat Action Ribbon, Marine Expeditionary Medal and Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, four Meritorious Service Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, and the Army Achievement Medal. Although he was selected to attend the Sergeant Major’s Academy in 1985, he chose to retire. He graduated from the Augusta Technical Institute in 1988 after completing the Auto Paint and Body Repair program and then spent a couple of years restoring automobiles. After relocating to Ohio in 1989, he began a second career working for Pinkerton Security. However, he would often reflect on his careers and always said that his finest years were when he was actively serving his country and leading the soldiers placed in his charge. He also never completely put to rest the memory of fallen comrades from the Vietnam Conflict. During retirement, Richard enjoyed time with friends and family and enjoyed making sure all the birds, squirrels, raccoons and stray cats who visited our neighborhood were well fed. Richard is the eldest son of the late Henry A. Ruff and Thelma Temmen. Surviving is his wife Cynthia, mother-in-law Doris Clinton of Toledo, daughter Missy, son Matthew, brother Mick (Linda), sister Cinda Patrick (Bill), granddaughter Alex (Brandon) Mills, great-granddaughters Ella and Madalyn of Illinois, and his beloved Beagle Sophia. Friends may visit at the Coyle Funeral Home, 1770 S. Reynolds Rd., on Wednesday, February 10th from 4-7 p.m. where a Memorial Service will be held at 5 p.m. Interment will be held in Richard’s home state of Illinois. Donations can be made to a local or National Humane Society in Richard’s memory. Richard’s wish would also be that the next time you meet an active-duty or retired member of the Armed Forces be sure to thank them for their service.

Richard Lee Ruff

January 31, 1941 - February 6, 2016