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Ronald Woodruff Obituary
Born: Aug. 20, 1928; in Rochester, NY
Died: March 9, 2020; in Highland Park, IL
Rev. Ronald T. Woodruff, 91, of Woodstock, formerly of Huntley passed away March 9, 2020, in Highland Park.
He was born Aug. 20, 1928, in Rochester, NY the son of Donald and Caroline (Rising) Woodruff. Ronald was a 1952 graduate of Union College and earned his Masters of Divinity degree from Yale Divinity School in 1955. He married Cora Dechert at the Central Presbyterian Church in Buffalo on July 30, 1955, and spent the remainder of the summer touring Europe before he began his duties at the Federated Church in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. For the next 26 years he served as their Associate Minister, with responsibilities revolving around the church's youth program. Many young men and women fondly remember the retreats, activities, and work camps that he led over the years as well as the profound impact that he had on their lives. In 1982 he moved to Huntley where he assumed his position as the pastor of the First Congregational Church. Upon his retirement in 2001, he and Cora moved to Woodstock and became active members of the First Congregational Church of Crystal Lake. He was very involved in Habitat for Humanity of McHenry Co. and worked on building many affordable homes for families. He also served as a Fire Chaplain in Huntley for many years, as well as remained active in the United Church of Christ in many different capacities.
He is survived by his children, Brian Woodruff, David (Kim) Woodruff, and Debbie Woodruff; grandchildren, Ben Woodruff, Cody & Tyler Messick, and Madelyn Woodruff; and 2 nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Cora on April 14, 2005; and sister, Sue Glick.
Funeral Services will be at 10 am on Monday, March 16, at the First Congregational Church, 461 Pierson St., Crystal Lake. Burial will follow in the Oakland Cemetery in Woodstock.
Visitation will be on Sunday, March 15 from 2 to 5 pm at James A. O'Connor Funeral Home, 11603 E. Main St., Huntley and will continue on Monday at the church from 9 until the 10 am service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be directed to Habitat for Humanity of McHenry Co., PO Box 1166, McHenry, IL 60051
Info (847)669-5111 or online www.jamesaoconnorfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Ronald Woodruff
Sponsored by James A. O'Connor Funeral Home - Huntley.
4 Entries
Gwen Reed
March 15, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.Rev Ron gave a lot to this community while he was here and after he retired.
Amanda Davis
March 12, 2020
Rev Ron was such a wonderful mentor in my life growing up. I remember all our trips for Habitat for Humanity and building houses and helping communities all across the country. Our Hobo Show plays at the church were always a hit and he was always there cheering us on. He always had a smile on his face and was full of interesting knowledge and advice. I always knew I could talk to him about anything. He was always supportive and honest. He had a heart for the Lord and it shined through in everything he did. I am honored to of known such a wonderful man and pastor.
Steve, Kim and Zack Shields
March 11, 2020
To the Woodruff family,
We have fond memories of Rev. Ron from UCC of Huntley. He was a very caring, compassionate and Christian man who we adored. We became members of his church and he baptized our son and counseled us through some difficult times. He loved the children of our church and community. They loved him back. It was a joy to see Rev. Ron after retirement in our town as our son played ball in his neighborhood. He always took time to say "hello" and send us Christmas cards. Our deepest and sincerest condolences for the loss of your father. May he rest in peace with our Lord and Savior.
Justine De Almeida
March 11, 2020
I received a birthday card from Ron with a newspaper clipping for over a decade of my life. He opened his office to my siblings and I when my mom sang midnight service as a safe place to rest our heads. He taught me to walk with god and was perceptive to all my questions. Rest In Peace Ron
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James A. O'Connor Funeral Home - Huntley11603 E. Main P.O. Box 74, Huntley, IL 60142
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