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BORN

1942

DIED

2024

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Hilton Head, South Carolina

Michael Ruffner Obituary

Michael Ruffner

November 13, 1942 - June 19, 2024

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - Michael "Mike" Ruffner, 81, of Maumee OH and Hilton Head Island SC, passed away on June 19, 2024 after battling mesothelioma. Born in Detroit on November 13, 1942, Mike was a 1960 graduate from Fulton Local High School, where he met his beloved wife of 58 years, Elaine (nee Miller).

Mike attended the University of Toledo, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering in 1965 followed by a master's degree in Industrial Engineering. He started his career with Wyandotte Chemical, but spent 32 years at Sun Oil Company, from which he retired in 2000. During his years with Sun Oil, Mike held the positions of VP of Supply & Distribution as well as Plant Manager at refineries in Tulsa OK, Toledo OH, Marcus Hook PA, and lastly in Philadelphia PA.

Over his twenty-four years of retirement, Mike truly enjoyed spending his time with family and friends - on a golf course, over a game of cards, or watching a movie. His boundless energy, easy smile, and loving devotion will be deeply missed.

In addition to his wife Elaine, Michael was dearly loved by four children, Kelly (Geof) Bisignani, Brent (Susan) Ruffner, Brian (Tamra) Ruffner, Keith Ruffner, and eleven grandchildren aged 24-16 (Adam, Alex, Lauren, Jillian, Katie, Karly, Brady, Eric, Michael, Maddy, and Kelsey). He is also survived by sisters Connie (Fetterman) and Harriet (Cunningham). He was predeceased by his mother, Virginia (Salyers) Ruffner.

Private services will be held for the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Deep Well Project, PO Box 5543, Hilton Head Island SC 29938. www.Deepwellproject.org

Island Funeral Home and Crematory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Island Packet on Jun. 23, 2024.

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2 Entries

Susan Miller Lemmons

June 23, 2024

I am so sorry & sending love & my sincerest condolences to my cousin Elaine and Kelly, Brent, Brian, & Keith. Please know I´m holding you all in my heart, thoughts, & prayers.
Such a dedicated, warm, & kind man with an ever-ready smile & laugh who I fondly remember since childhood & will never forget. May your wonderful memories of Mike fill your hearts, replace your grief, & bring you all peace.

Cheryl (LoCurto) Jennings

June 23, 2024

I´m so sorry to learn of Mike´s passing. He was a kind and caring man. Bob and I enjoyed his company and golfing with him. Bob really enjoyed talking investments with him. My condolences to all the family and especially Elaine. I pray the Comforter will surround you with His peace during this very painful time. Much love to you all. ~Cheryl (LoCurto) Jennings

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