Ruby, Thomas
1957 - 2017
Thomas O. Ruby, 60, of Gahanna, Ohio, died Saturday, October 21, 2017 at home from pancreatic cancer. Tom was born in 1957 in Mount Vernon, Ohio to C. Orland Ruby and Corinne Blackburn Ruby. Tom grew up in Centerburg, New London and Alliance, Ohio, where his dad and mother served United Methodist churches as minister and director of Christian education, respectively. Tom graduated from Alliance High School (1975), Davidson College (1979) and Harvard Law School (1982). In 1989, he married the love of his life, Mary Jo Geyer. Tom spent his entire professional career at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP, first as an associate and then, since 1989, as a partner. His practice concentrated on commercial finance, including loan transactions (representing lenders and corporate borrowers), commercial contracts, other areas of the Uniform Commercial Code, and aircraft acquisitions, sales and financings. Tom also had significant involvement in the firm's opinion letter practice and the training of younger lawyers. He was a member of the Columbus, Ohio State, American, and Lawyer-Pilot Bar Associations. In addition to his professional associations, Tom was a member of Broad Street Presbyterian Church and the Athletic Club of Columbus. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his parents-in-law, Paul and Marjorie Geyer. In addition to Mary Jo, he is survived by nieces, Tania Barnett and Christie Stouffer, nephew, Joshua Stouffer, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Elaine Geyer, sister-in-law, Linda Stouffer, many cousins, including, on Mary Jo's side, Larry and Melanie Ross, Cori Ross and Lauren Ross James, and his Vorys family. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 24, 2017, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Palmer Hall, Broad Street Presbyterian Church, 760 East Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio. A celebration of Tom's life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 25, at Broad Street Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a donation in Tom's memory may do so to Broad Street Presbyterian Church, Davidson College, Class of 1979 Scholarship, PO Box 7170, Davidson, NC 28035-7170 or to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, 1500 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 200, Manhattan Beach, CA 90166-3721. Tom and Mary Jo would like to thank The James Cancer Center for their compassionate and comprehensive care. Services entrusted to Schoedinger Northeast Chapel. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories or extend condolences.
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I am very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I had the good fortune to get to know, and work with, Tom when I started my career at the Vorys law firm in 2005. He was both a great teacher, attorney, and, more importantly, a fine person. He will be missed. Best wishes to his family.
Brian Hoover
October 26, 2017
In 2014, when I was 22 and only recently graduated from college, I was utilizing (read: mooching off of) my dad's membership and locker at the Athletic Club of Columbus. I was fortunate that Tom's locker was next to my dad's, because to a 22 year old the Athletic Club can seem like an intimidating place... it was a blessing meeting Tom early in that experience, because Tom immediately made me feel right at home with his genuinely friendly, humble, and inquisitive nature. He may have been the very first friend that I made at the club. I'm regretful that I wasn't able to attend the celebration of Tom's life yesterday... He is someone that I aspire to be more like, and I feel lucky to have gotten to see him with regularity over the past 3 years (both of us being lunchtime exercise regulars). My thoughts and prayers are going out to everyone in his community of loved ones. I'll personally miss Tom very much.
Ben Zambito
October 26, 2017
We were saddened to learn of Tom's passing. He was a true gentleman and an astute lawyer. We especially appreciate his kind words at the passing of his partner and my stepfather Ken Beck earlier this year.
John Burley
October 25, 2017
Mary Jo, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and all of your families.
Patty Long-Bowers
October 24, 2017
Laura Cooke-Davidson
October 23, 2017
Mary Jo, you are thought of today, and prayers are being offered up on your behalf, for peace & comfort in the days ahead.
Steve & Becky Geyer
October 23, 2017
Mary Jo, We are to sorry to hear of Tom's passing. He will be missed by all. -Dave and Kim Bailey
Dave Bailey
October 23, 2017
Dear Mary Jo,
There are no words to tell you how sadden we are for your loss of Tom. He was a great man, well loved and respected. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. May God Bless you with peace, comfort and courage to face the days ahead. We are here if you need us.
Bill, Deb, Ashley and Natalie Weber
Bill, Deb, Ashley and Natalie Weber
October 22, 2017
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