The world’s greatest dad, grandfather, brother, and husband, Rick Ruud, passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 at 10:20 PM.
Rick was universally loved and respected. I never knew anyone who he did not immediately befriend. He joked with strangers, thanked employees, and built a huge number of friends and close colleagues in his life. He adored his four grandchildren. He was always there with advice and help for his sons. He loved his wife. Talked to his siblings all the time.
In the end, he really did not want to go. His will and his brain were sharp and strong. But his body was broken, and it proved too much. He discovered his liver was failing only a couple of months ago. Just yesterday, the day he passed, doctors had been discussing whether to put him on the transplant list, to give him another 15 years. But things went downhill quickly and his body decided for him.
He passed surrounded by Roxi, Adam, and Collin, and got a chance to hear goodbyes from Colton, Lydia, Liam, and Coraline. Everyone told him how amazing and funny he was, and how much we would miss his warm nature and good humor. The kids remembered giant bags of gummy bears, and tickles, and hilarious dad jokes. Everyone who knew him can easily recall dozens of stories that speak to his heart and good nature, his love for his family, and his need to be useful and productive until the very end.
If there’s anything we want you to do to honor Rick, please tell your kids and grandkids you love them. Tell your parents that you love them. Call your brothers and sisters. Get your liver checked, and take care of it. Say hi to a complete stranger. Break the tension in an elevator with a little joke. Spend your time making memories and cherish them.
We are utterly heartbroken but we know that Rick made our lives so much better in the time we knew him. I love you, Dad, and I miss you so much.
He is survived by his wife Roxana of Plymouth; sons Adam Ruud of Plymouth; Collin (Krista) Ruud of Urbana, IL; sister-in-law Diane Ruud of Ormand, FL; sister-in-law Robin Shannon of Sandy Springs, GA; brother-in-law Fred Topel of Delano, MN; siblings: JoElla (Bill) Kath of Shoreview, MN; Cindy (Bob) Olsen of Blaine, MN; Cheryl Keene of Blaine, MN; Charles (Beth) Ruud of Isanti, MN; Trisha (John) Zajac of Ramsey, MN; Chris (Sherry) Stearns of San Diego, CA; grandchildren: Colton, Lydia, Liam and Coraline.
Richard is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Sandra Hughes, Susan Topel and brother Morris Ruud.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Marshall County Humane Society, 11165 13th Rd, Plymouth, IN 46563.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at the Coffee Lodge and Bakery, 225 E Jefferson St, Plymouth, IN 46563 from 2-5 pm.
Fred & Kathy Funk says
We are so very sorry for your loss. We loved Rick as many did , he was an awesome person.. He will be missed !! May The Lord Bless you all.
Your friends Fred & Kathy Funk
Fonseca Gracie says
I am so sorry for your loss of Mr. Rudd . I knew him through Oliver Ford , when I was employed at Olivers we talked about driving to Mn . He gave me in his handwriting directions to avoid Chicago . I’ve moved to Texas since but I still have those directions in my glove box in my truck . He was such a sweet man. Gracie Al Fonseca Tyler Texas
Joda Hoeffer says
So sorry for your loss. Seems so sudden having not knowing what he was going through. Always enjoyed motorcycling and golfing with Rick. A genuine great person.
RIP my friend.
Donna Burroughs says
Rick was sunshine for souls. He was always friendly, happy and willing to help with anything and everything. Oh, how he loved his family! It was a privilege to know him.
Mike Delp says
So sorry for your loss Roxi, Adam, Collin and family . Enjoyed so many early mornings with him at Lodge ! He was always sharing a bit of humor to get us laughing first thing and he always talked so fondly/proudly of Minnesota days and his siblings and extended family and friends . He IS and will be missed by all of his Coffee Lodge friends !!
Linda Keister says
Jim and I are so saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. We send our thoughts and prayers of comfort to you, Roxie, Adam, Colin and family. May all your love and cherished memories bring you strength, peace and comfort during this heartbreaking time. Sending hugs and love from our family to yours. 🙏💔🙏
Linda Keister says
Jim and I are so saddened to hear of Rick’s passing. We send our thoughts and prayers to you, Roxie, Adam, Colin and family. May all your love and cherished memories bring you strength, peace and comfort during this heartbreaking time. Sending hugs and love from our family to yours. 🙏💔🙏
George Blackburne III says
Rick was warm, friendly, immensely funny, cleverly sarcastic, witty, well read, and quick to laugh and smile; but he was also quick to take my dollars bets in golf. 🙂
Everyone loved Rick. He and Fred Funk adopted me when Cisca and I first moved to Plymouth, and I will always be immensely grateful.
Rick enjoyed a few beers every week, but something almost overnight destroyed his liver. Was it the Paxlovid that Rick had taken for COVID? Something to think about.
Love you, buddy. Lots and lots of us loved you.
Larry and Sue Chase says
Larry and I are saddened to read of Rick’s passing, He was a great neighbor and friend along with you Roxie. Adam and Collin had a great role model in Rick. We can imagine how he enjoyed his grandchildren. Speaking on behalf of Barry, Doug, and Mindi , Rick had great friends in Plymouth and will be missed.
Francisca Blackburne says
It is always the ones left behind that suffer the pain, that feel the loss, and the sorrow. My heart goes out to you all, but together you will keep his loving memory alive in your hearts forever.
Mike Pettibone says
Dear Roxi, Adam, and Collin,
Please accept our sincere condolence for the passing of Rick. Rick was a good man with a good heart. He was wonderful as a friend. He was terrific as a father of children at Webster School. Rick was an excellent sales person and a model ambassador for Sharp’s School Supply. Yet, from my view point as the principal of Webster School, Rick was a great husband, supporter and fan of one of the best teachers during my tenure in Plymouth. Roxi flourished and gave her heart to teaching (my son included) and this happened because of Roxi’s passion for teaching and Rick’s constant support. God Bless each of you.
Sincerely, Carol and Mike Pettibone
Mindi Chase says
My heart goes out to you all. Rick always had a smile and definitely kept us entertained growing up next door! My prayers for God to continue his love and support during this time for your entire family. Rick is enjoying the golf courses in heaven!
Cheryl Keene says
To say he was a great brother is an understatement! He was one of the best! I don’t think anyone was a stranger to him for more than 5 minutes! Years ago he brought us “out of towners” to a local Plymouth restaurant. While walking to our table he was saying “hello” “how are ya?” to people at their tables. He tried to speak Spanish to the server (major fail). I think he would have kissed babies if he saw one! I dubbed him “The Mayor of Plymouth” after that! He was generous with his love, time and financial blessings. I will miss him forever, my WORDLE buddy, Tuesday night calls and lovable big brother! Until I see you again!
John Farthing says
Even though we had a business relationship, Rick was more of a friend. Rick was always positive and friendly and he always asked me about my family. Likewise, Rick was quick to share stories about Roxi and his boys, he was a proud father. It was a pleasure to do business with Rick but a greater pleasure to call him a friend. My condolences to his family, he was such a good man.
Shirley Gidley says
What a shock!
Loved his humor, his friendliness, his love of family, and just knowing him was a joy!
I know that he is smiling on all and watching over all his loved and loving family.
My thoughts are with all of you and my condolenses to all.
Bev Brown says
Roxi so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family🙏🏻🙏🏻
June Breeding says
Roxi and Family
So sorry to hear of Ricks passing.
Now may the Lord of peace himself
give you peace at all times in every way.
The Lord be with you
2 Thessalonians 3:16
Remembering You
With Prayer and Sympathy
Dick and June Breeding
Bill Nixon says
To Roxy and the boys,
Whomever wrote the material in the paper was spot on. Rick was a good friend. We played many rounds of golf together with some of the greatest and craziest bunch of guys I admired Rick for his intelligence, friendliness, sense of humor and his dependability in everything he did. His caring for his fellow man was obvious. We have all lost one of the nicest men we’ve ever known.