Charles Ruffner

Charles "Butch" Daniel Ruffner, age 70, of Seville, Ohio, passed away unexpectedly, in the arms of his beloved wife, Diane (nee Grunau) on December 16, 2023. Heaven's door opened and welcomed him home. He was born to the late Charles J. and Katherine M. (Skender) Ruffner on December 2, 1953, in Cincinnati, Ohio, the middle of three children. Butch and Diane married in 1999 and for 25 years resided in Seville, Ohio. He loved life in a small town. Butch was a firefighter (a graduate of Xavier University Paramedic Program) for 10 years in Delhi, Ohio. He was a graphic printer and retired in 2018 from the printing business. He was a devout Catholic and member of Our Lady Help of Christians in Litchfield, OH. Butch was a private pilot and loved flying Cessnas. He was an avid drone pilot, an enthusiastic marksman and loved spending time at the range honing his skill. He was a lifelong Cincinnati Bengals fan and never missed an opportunity to catch a game on Sundays. But his very favorite thing was traveling with Diane. He loved vacationing in Navarre Beach, Florida every September and considered Navarre Beach to be the next best thing to heaven.
Although Butch was strong willed and stubborn at times, he was also a good neighbor and friend and would lend a hand or a tool to anyone in need. He had a big heart, a wonderful sense of humor and a giving soul. He was clever, generous, loyal, and brave and filled with life experiences that he loved to share with all who would listen. His passing leaves a hole in the hearts of those that loved him, and he will be dearly missed.
Butch is survived by his best friend and wife of almost 25 years, Diane L. Ruffner; his stepson and grandchildren, Brian Magerko; Ace (Lilith) Magerko; and Simon Magerko; his mother-in-law, Geraldine Kasnias; niece and nephew, Tracy Vanderpool-Smith and David Vanderpool; and his "Band of Brothers" from the Delhi Fire Department. He is also survived by three children from his first marriage, Evelyn Katherine Ruffner, Charles Ruffner, and Kevin Ruffner.
He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Carol A. Vanderpool and Gary Ruffner.
A Mass will be held at Our Lady Help of Christians with interment at Resurrection Cemetery in Valley City, Ohio in April of 2024. Those details will be announced at a later date and updated on the funeral home website.
Online condolences and memories may be shared at www.waitefuneralhome.com.