John D. Ruoff

July 27, 1939 - March 26, 2019

John D. Ruoff, 79, of Otterbein Cridersville, and Wapakoneta, died 11:33 p.m., Tues. March 26, 2019, at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima. He was born July 27, 1939, in Franklin Co., OH, the son of Williard L. & Clara L. (Bausch) Ruoff, who preceded him in death. On June 18, 1961, he married Kay Anne Neff, and she survives at Otterbein-Cridersville. Other survivors include, 2 sisters, Norma A. Pitts, Columbus, OH, & Delores E. (Bobby) Coleman, Douglas, GA, sister-in-law, Connie Leist, brother-in-law, Jerry Powell, nieces & nephews, Pennie (Dale) Caradonna-Kinnear, Richie (Michelle) Leist, Jill (Richard) Rose Matthew (Donna) Coleman, & Raymond Powell, great nephew, Angelo Caradonna numerous cousins, and close friend, Kendall Krites, and many other close friends, & colleagues. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Marilyn J. Powell. John retired from the Ohio State University Extension Service after 27 years of service. He began his career as a 4-H educator in Clermont Co., served later as a district 4-H program specialist, and then returned to a 4-H county position in Auglaize Co. for over 9 years. John impacted many children through his work. He was a graduate of Fairfield High School, Madison Co., OH. He later received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from The Ohio State University. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Wapakoneta. His other memberships included the Moulton Gun Club where he taught gun safety classes, numerous Dahlia societies, Shawnee Long Rifle Club, N.R.A., National Muzzleloader Rifle Assn., National 4-H Agents Assn., and a life member of the the Epsilon Sigma Phi fraternity. John had many interests in life, that included growing dahlias, and in later years enjoyed painting at Otterbein. He was also a skilled woodworker and made furniture and muzzleloaders. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Mon. April 1, 2019, at the First United Methodist Church, 504 Glynwood Rd., Wapakoneta, with Pastor Josh Tissot officiating. Burial is to follow in the Greenlawn Cemetery, Wapakoneta. The family will receive family and friends 2-6 p.m., Sun. March 31, 2019, at the Eley Funeral Home and Crematory, 1102 Lincoln Ave. (St. Rt. 501), Wapakoneta, and 1 hour prior to the service Mon., at the church. Memorial contributions may be directed to the First United Methodist Church, 504 Glynwood Rd., Wapakoneta, 45895, or the Ohio 4-H Foundation, 2201 Fred Taylor Dr., Columbus, OH, 43210.