RUPPERT Richard Dale Ruppert, M.D., lived every day of his 81 years filled with enthusiasm, optimism and most of all, love. He died unexpectedly on October 22, 2012. Born in Middletown, Ohio as the sixth of ten children, Dick dearly loved his parents, Paul Edward and Sarah Elizabeth (Morgan) Ruppert. As a young boy, Dick demonstrated an early passion for politics, sports, academics (excluding Spanish) and making friends everywhere he went. He was a member of the Franklin, Ohio High School Class of 1949, for which he served as Class President. After graduating, he spent five more years in Franklin working on the Ruppert family farm, Brookhaven, where he learned the art of growing soy beans, corn and tobacco. In 1953, he initially enrolled in The Ohio State University to pursue a degree in agriculture, but soon discovered his calling to pursue a life-long career as a physician and healthcare advocate. When he graduated from OSU in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science, he then went on to become a member of the OSU College of Medicine Class of 1961. During his first year of medical school, Dick met and fell in love with his classmate and best friend, Elizabeth (Libby) Spencer Ruppert M.D. They were married in 1959, in what proved to be a storybook romance that has lasted 53 years. Together, Dick and Libby produced four strong daughters, Victoria Ruppert (Scott) Ridge, Elizabeth Morgan Ruppert (David Midtvedt), Rebecca Ruppert (Ronald) McMahon and Julie Ruppert (Todd) Schulte. They are also the proud grandparents of the seven greatest grandchildren in the world, Alexandria and Caitlin Ridge, Kinkade and Chessica Ruppert-Midtvedt, Natalie McMahon and Kyle and Lena Schulte. After completing an internal medicine internship at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke's Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois (1961-1962), Dick returned to OSU where he completed a residency in gastroenterology (1962-1965), served as Chief Resident (1964-1965), professor of gastroenterology in the Department of Medicine (1965-1974), Assistant Dean for the College of Medicine (1970-1974) and Medical Director for Patient Services (1972-1974), in addition to being selected Man of the Year (1970). He then served four years as the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs at the Ohio Board of Regents (1974-1977) until the fall of 1977 when he was chosen to become the third President of The Medical College of Ohio at Toledo. During his seventeen years of visionary leadership, the College's physical plant grew with the addition of $150 million for the construction of a 270 bed University Hospital, Dowling Hall, the Coghlin Pavilion, the Kobacker Center, the Henry L. Morse Sports Center and an ambulatory care center formally named in 1993 by approval of the MCO Board of Trustees, the Richard D. Ruppert Health Center. In addition, during his tenure, the College added the School of Nursing, the School of Allied Health and the Graduate School. Dick also provided leadership to grow and strengthen the College's health education, research and patient-centered care programs. Throughout his time with MCO and following his retirement in 1993, Dick also devoted his leadership, talents and boundless energy to the civic arena. Among other notable achievements, he served as: trustee (1982-1993) and President (1993-1994) of the American Society of Internal Medicine; member and four year Chairman of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority Board (1989-1999); Campaign Chair for the United Way of Greater Toledo (1991-1992); trustee, Campaign Chairman and President of the Fort Meigs Historical Society (2002-present); member and President of the Ohio Historical Society Board (2001-2011); President of Toledo Rotary (2005-2006); member of the Hayes Presidential Center Board (1996-2011); President of the Torch Club (2012); and honored member of the Foster Group. He also served as a member of the Boards of Directors for PICO Holdings, Inc. (1995-2012) and the Physicians Insurance Company of Ohio (1988-1995). While he received many professional and civic recognitions throughout his life, Dick was particularly honored to be: inducted into the Halls of Fame for Franklin High School and the Village of Ottawa Hills: selected by the American College of Physicians as an outstanding Master Fellow (2007) and; chosen as a recipient of the Jefferson Award (2009). Above all else, Dick cherished every minute with his dear Lib and family, his unlimited woodworking and home improvement projects, reading on the shores of Lake Erie, and cheering on his beloved Buckeyes. He will be forever missed. The Ruppert Family will receive friends on Friday, October 26, from 2-8 p.m. at COYLE FUNERAL HOME, located at 1770 S. Reynolds Road, Toledo. A celebration of Dick's life will be held on Saturday, October 27, at 11 a.m. at Christ Presbyterian Church located at 4225 West Sylvania Avenue in Toledo. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to either the Richard D. Ruppert M.D. Scholarship Fund at the University of Toledo College of Medicine or the Anne Grady Prescribed Pediatric Center. Please view and sign the "on-line" guest registry at CoyleFuneralHome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dick was president of the OSU Hospital when I was Chief Resident in Medicine. We had some knock down drag out arguments[which he always won] but he never was disagreeable, and I considered him a friend. JT Guy
JT Guy
Coworker
October 22, 2020
Easy to get out of touch so we had not heard of Dick's passing. He will be deeply missed particularly by the ASIM family.Many great memories but so much enjoyed sharing the arts in Santa Fe as Dick looked for pieces to have donated to the Toledo campus. Always a delight with humor. At the same time extraordianry vision. Gene and Jean
Eugene and Jean Ogrod
April 6, 2014
Richard is a great respected man with intergity. I admire for his sacrifice for the medical community and raising a great family. Like Dr Jacbos said "He had a wonderful vision and a driving ambition to achieve that vision - build a better world, a better Toledo, a better MCO," . LIbby, his daughter has talked highly of her father. He was truly loved with a big heart. I enjoyed hearing stories about Richard. My deepest sympathy to all ladies and the families.
Tammara Steffy Lane
November 26, 2012
Libby and family-
We are so sorry for your loss. Dick's contributions are too numerous to recount. He touched so many of us in profound ways and enriched our lives. We will miss him.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Denny & Carmen Wojtanowski
Denny Wojtanowski
October 30, 2012
Dr. Ruppert,
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
Karen Haddad
October 28, 2012
Libby
What a great life together to celebrate. I'm thinking of your grandchildren and how his life of service, compassion and humility will continue in their lives. In the Light,
Jim Duffee
October 28, 2012
Dear Libby and Family,
While I did not know Dick personally, I read of his wonderful contributions to Toledo and the medical community. I know you, Libby, and knowing you makes me more aware of what an outstanding leader he was. Like you, he contributed much to the community and provided wisdom and insight to projects he was involved with. Please accept my sincere condolences to you and your family. Cynthia Beekley
October 27, 2012
Dr. Ruppert and family-I am so incredibly sorry for your loss. There are people who make our world better because of their dedication to their careers and the people they work with. You and your husband have brought so much to the people who know you and were lucky to have you watching over them-myself included. You are in my thoughts and prayers, and always in my heart as the best doctor any child could every ask for!
Angie (Calcamuggio) Reynolds
October 27, 2012
Libby, Carol and I just learned of Dick's passing. What a major loss to Toledo, it's medical community, his many friends, and most of all, his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Fred & Carol DeCrescentis
October 26, 2012
Libby, We are sorry to hear. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Connie & Dale Fine
October 26, 2012
Libby:
There are times when words fail to adequately convey thoughts or feelings, with Dick's passing; I am experiencing such a dilemma.
Anna and I were deeply saddened with the news of Dick's loss to his family, to his friends and to a much larger community of persons whose lives have been touched by him directly and indirectly. Commitment, energy, candor and courage were always words common to any description of Dick Ruppert. He was a believer in and a contributor to causes and never backed away from providing his leadership, his insights and his wisdom to initiatives and projects that “made a difference.”
I've always felt honored to have been able to count him as a friend and I feel privileged to have been able to walk with him for part of my journey in life.
Anna and I are hopeful that his memory will sustain you, your children and grandchildren.
Libby, you and Dick were our first and most gracious introduction to Toledo. What you represented as a couple made moving here such a positive thing. May you find comfort in the loving family you two have created together. Anna
James & Anna Hartung
October 26, 2012
Libby and family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your Father. May he be at peace.
My prayers are for you all,
Curt and Kelley Wyse
October 26, 2012
Libby we are so sorry to hear of your dad passing.. Our thoughts and prayer for you and your family.
Love Beverly and James Rogers (Wadsworth, Oh)
October 26, 2012
Vicky, I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. I remember him as a very nice man, and now I read about all the great things he has done in the community. He will be missed by many, I'm sure.
Erin (Sullivan) Oswanski
October 26, 2012
We lost a great friend
Betty & Glenn Sherman
Glenn Sherman
October 26, 2012
Dr. Ruppert,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Ann Hohner
October 26, 2012
Dear Vicky and Ruppert family,
I'm so sorry for your loss. My family's thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Julie Fruchtman
October 26, 2012
Vicky and family, My thoughts are with you all. I remember your father as such a nice man. What great memories you have!
Lisa (Green) Kilcorse
October 25, 2012
Dear Libby and family,
Dick was a wonderful friend for many years and an inspiration to many. He will be sorely missed. We send our condolences to all of you and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Joan & Bruce Hankins
Bruce & Joan Hankins
October 25, 2012
We met Dick when our children bought the cottage next door on Catawba Island. What a kind man both to our children and to us.
Jan and Jim Betz
October 25, 2012
My prayers are with you all.
Such a kind, wonderful man.
Mary Ann (cic)
October 25, 2012
Libby - We are so very sorry about Dick's passing. Those who were blessed to spend time with you two together understood the meaning of married love and respect. You and Dick are the examples to which we aspire personally, professionally and philanthropically. Take care of yourself and we will see you soon. Our love and prayers to you and your family. Stacy, Jeff and Andrew
Stacy Cox
October 25, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Ruppert family.
Matthew Dombi
October 25, 2012
Libby,
I am so shocked and sad to hear about Dr. Ruppert's passing. I truly enjoyed working with him when he was Board President at the Ohio Historical Society. He was always smiling, had a great sense of humor. He loved history and he cared deeply about history, the Society, and people in general. You are in my thoughts and prayers. The Good News is he has gone home to the Lord and you will see him again! Take Care!
Janet Cole Hawxhurst
October 24, 2012
Libby and family,
The Board and Staff of the Ohio Historical Society are saddened to hear of Dick's passing. He was a great leader and board president. He was a true champion for promoting and preserving Ohio History. He will be missed deeply by all that knew him.
Ohio Historical Society Board & Staff
October 24, 2012
Libby:
Lillian and I were honored to have known Dick. His guidance and insight into many issues was exceptional and of significant help to us. During Lillian's years on the MCO board, she spoke often of his passion and commitment to the instiitution.
He was a highly talented and productive man whose accomplishment were a major significance to all of the organizations who were lucky enough to have him involved.
We are in Baltimore, but send our thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
Mike Walsh
Mike Walsh
October 24, 2012
Dear Libby,
Please accept my deepest and most sincere condolences.
- Debra Gmerek
Debra Gmerek
October 24, 2012
Becky, may your heart be filled with wonderful memories as you celebrate a life well lived.
Robert and Nichelle Knox
October 24, 2012
Oct.24,2012
We areso sorry to hear Dr. Ruppert pass away,we will miss him deeply he touch so many of our lives,how we feel right now is hard to put into words for he was such a creative person it was a privledge to have been able to work with him for 11yrs building MCO.Our love a support will always be with you and your family and will keep you in our prayers.
Don / Barbara Steele
Lake Havasu City,AZ.
October 24, 2012
Aunt Libby & family. Carrie & I are very saddened by the passing of Uncle Dick. You & he have always been kind to our family. (Ed,Rose Ruppert & Family) I have very fond memories of his sense of humor. I remember at Thanksgiving watching football & arguing politics. He will be truly missed. I have much love in my heart for you and him. Much Love & Kisses !
Randy Ruppert
October 24, 2012
Libby, our prayers are with you and your family. We're very sorry at your loss. Dave and Jane Gemmill
October 24, 2012
Libby,
Bill McMillen called to inform me of Dick's passing. He did so much for me personally and even more for the Toledo community.
While he was a strong and effective leader, he also had a heart of gold. I will forever cherish the memories of the many years I worked for him and with him.
The Toledo area lost "one of a kind". For those that didn't know him well will never truly understand what a great man he was.
J. Michael Porter
October 24, 2012
Libby, I am very sorry to hear about your husband's death. I worked as an orderly at Mercy Hospital, Columbus when he was an extern there. You may recall that I worked there with Mattie Rose and Mildred Schadt in the emergency room. Dr. Ruppert was in his early thirties and me in my early twenties and entering OSU. I have always remembered Dr. Ruppert because of his friendly nature and ready smile. He was good to all and was respectful to everone. He was so competent and ready to help when needed. You were in your early years of marriage and he spoke of you often. It is possible that I had been introduced to you back in those many years ago. But, then, the years may have dimmed my memory. I was not suprised to read of his many accomplishments and positions held in his obituary. I shall always remember the twinkle in his eye, his bright chukle, and puffing on his pipe as he read. My best to you and your family as you grieve his passing. Sincerely, Donald Ball.
Donald Ball
October 24, 2012
Libby, you are in my thoughts as well as your daughters and grandchildren. What a wonderful article in the Blade. You two are truly a great match!
Amy Smith
October 24, 2012
So very sorry to hear of Dr. Ruppert's passing. As a retired MCO employee, I remember the years with Dr Ruppert at the helm to be the best of the 30 years I worked there. Truly a great leader and a great loss.
October 24, 2012
Dear Libby...Ed and I are very sorry to hear about Dick's passing. We have enjoyed both of your friendship for many years and we will certainly miss him. Sorry we can't be there because we are out west but please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Blessings, Ed and Linda Reiter
October 24, 2012
Libby,
We were shocked when we heard that Dick died... he was such a gracious and kind-spirited man and I know his passing is a great loss to you, your family and friends, and the community.
But God will be calling us all home one day and Richard made his passing journey on earth one that he can be proud of and one that God can say to him, well done...welcome home and enjoy!
Sharon Unkle
October 24, 2012
Hi Libby:
Dick and I were Residents in Internal Medicine in the early 60's.
I remember all the great holiday parties we shared at your home every year.
Please express my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Herb Bronstein M.D.
Herb Bronstein
October 24, 2012
Hi Libby:
I was sad to learn of Dick's passing.
Dick and I were Residents together in the early 60's. I very well remember all the great holiday parties we shared at your home every year. I wontto express my deepest condolences to you and your family.
Herb Bronstein M.D.
October 24, 2012
Dear Libby,
The Board and staff of Prevent Blindness Ohio send our thoughts and prayers to you on the loss of Dick. His many contributions to his family, community and profession will live on in those he touched.
Sherry Williams
October 24, 2012
A great loss. Our deepest sypathies. I will never forget his personal handling of a situation in my life. Dr. Henry R. and Adair Silverman Jr.
Henry Silverman Jr. M.D.
October 24, 2012
Libby, Alice and I are stunned and so sorry. Dick made such a big contribution to the Toledo community. We are out of town now, but you will be in our hearts - - Ed Weber
Edward F. Weber
October 24, 2012
Libby, so sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you.
Michael Fruchtman
October 24, 2012
So deeply saddened by the loss of a truly great individual.Dr. Ruppert was a strong positive leader at M.C.O. He helped produce a feeling of pride, and maintained a strong morale among faculty and staff. The likes of which have failed to exist since his retirement. Condolences to his family and friends. Condolences to U.T.M.C. for the loss of a great leader.
J. C.K.
October 24, 2012
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