John "Bud Sr." Ruth Jr.

1924 - 2022

Just one day shy of his 98th birthday, John E. "Bud Sr." Ruth Jr., died peacefully on Sunday, August 14, 2022, at his favorite place in the world, his family farm.

On August 15, 1924, John was born in Marion, Ohio, the oldest of five sons of the late Mildred (Hickman) and John E. Ruth Sr. He was raised on a farm on Whetstone River Rd., helping as soon as he was able, and he attended Claridon Schools. During school, he couldn't stand not helping in the fight of World War II with his fellow countrymen. When he was a junior in high school, he convinced his parents and the school to sign a waiver so he could join the US Navy soon after he turned 17. He served for nearly four years, most of which was spent aboard the USS Card, an aircraft carrier stationed throughout the Pacific Ocean. He helped planes take off and land using their catapults.

On one of John's leaves from the Navy, he met up with his high school sweetheart, Betty Winston, eloping in South Mills, North Carolina, and were married on January 7, 1944. Together they shared 70 wonderful years of marriage and raised five children, and they were still as happy together as they were on the day they were married. She preceded him in death on September 16, 2014.

Upon his honorable discharge in October of 1945, he returned home to the farm, until 1948, when he and Betty bought their own farm near Williamsport, where they would live out the rest of their lives. In addition to caring for their farm, John worked as a foreman at Central Soya Feed Mill in Marion. He worked the 2nd shift for the majority of his 30 year career.

John was a man of dedication to the three things that meant the most to him…his farm…his faith…and his family.

With farming "in his blood", most of John's life revolved around farming. He always worked around the clock, tending to the land and caring for their livestock. In his down time, he could be found fixing or tinkering with something, and could build anything he put his mind to. He built countless things on the farm, including his own band saw and his own baker fan. He loved going to the farm science review every year, and driving far and wide to antique tractor shows. Also, his favorite pastime was sitting on the porch, watching the world and the Amish buggies go by.

Very faithful, John and Betty were members of the Pleasant Grove Church of Christ, where he served as a deacon. They also shared a love for the Lord and were great examples of how to live a faithful and fulfilled life.

Most important of all to John was his family. He cherished his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. He always looked forward to holidays and family reunions, when he was surrounded by his beloved family. He was all of their biggest fans, and loved being a fan of the Northmor Knights basketball team, proudly being one of their mascots at the end of the bench.

John was truly a wonderful man for so many reasons. He had the gift of gab, striking up conversations with everyone, and always making fast friends. He was a very laid-back guy, who loved talking to his family and friends for hours.

Left to cherish his memory are his five children: Larry (Wanda) Ruth of Mansfield, Carolyn Lilly of Danville, Becky Higgins of Mount Gilead, John "Bud Jr." (Deb) Ruth of Mount Gilead, and Chris (Byron) Dutt of Mount Gilead; 15 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 17 great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Including his wife and parents, John was preceded in death by two son-in-laws, Pastor Gene Lilly and Richard Higgins; all four younger brothers: Frank, James, Charles "Chuck", and Donald Ruth; and a great-grandson, Josh Bostic.

The Ruth family will greet friends from 4 - 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at the Pleasant Grove Church of Christ, 7197 Co. Rd. 46, Mount Gilead. Services honoring his life will also be held there at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 19, 2022, with Pastor Don Linn and Pastor Ray Linn officiating. Burial with military honors provided by the Active Duty U.S. Navy, VFW Post 8054 and AMVETS Post 87 will follow in Claridon Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Grove Church of Christ, 7197, Co. Rd. 46, Mount Gilead, OH 43338 or to OhioHealth Marion Home Health Hospice, 278 Barks Rd W, Marion, OH 43302.

On behalf of his family, they would like to extend a heartfelt "Thank you" to all of John's neighbors who assisted through his journey.

Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve John's family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.