Mark A. Ruthruff

Ruthruff, Mark A. Bay City, Michigan Mark passed away Thursday, July 28, 2011 due to a courageous battle with cancer, with his family and friends by his side. During his illness, Mark carried himself with grace and dignity, he never complained, he knows our Lord and was very much at peace, his positive spirit lifted our hearts. Age 58 years. Mark was born July 9, 1953 in Omer, Michigan to Jean (Serens) Ruthruff and the late Jack E. Ruthruff. He graduated in 1971 from Hale High School, he continued long time relationships with his classmates and cherished there time together. He married the former Lori Gray in January of 1979 at Grace Lutheran church in Auburn, MI by pastor David Hakes. Their marriage was blessed with two children; Dana and Kyle Stinnett of Las Vegas, NV and Jack Ruthruff of Bay city, MI. Mark has three grandchildren; Brock, Skylar and Kaylee Stinnett, they brought papa great joy and happiness. Mark is survived by his mother Jean Ruthruff of Bay city, his sister and brother-in-law; Sheri and Michael King of South Haven, MI and their son and daughter-in-law; Second Class Petty Officer Adam and Tanessa King of Virginia Beach, VA. He is also survived by his in laws; Les and Shirley Gray of Auburn, along with three brothers-in-law; Todd and Denise Gray of Auburn, Ned and Cathy Gray of Midland and Dean Gray of Midland. His nieces; special Goddaughter; Emily Gray, Jennie (fiancée Bill) Hillman and Katie Hillman. Mark was preceded in death by his father Jack E. Ruthruff. Mark was a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Bay City. He was a talented musician, playing the drums for the Contemporary Worship services for many years, he loved Gospel Music. Mark joyfully shared his skills and contributed his talent to the Children's Christmas Program, along with mentoring students with their musical talents. Mark was a positive influence to many students, continuing from his children's days in grade school to present. Mark never met a stranger, he was a very humble man and recognized the need for random acts of kindness and saw them through to completion. He and Lori enjoyed family and friends to be a part of their daily lives. Their home was heaven to many, full of love, laughter, joy, faith and hope. Mark loved hunting season, as a Manufacture's Representative in the Hunting Industry he had the extreme pleasure to make great friends throughout Michigan, the US and Canada. He was an awesome hunter and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed time spent hunting with his son Jack, his hunting buddy for 35 years Tony and other family and friends. Mark's family was very important to him, he was very proud of Lori, Dana and Jack and loved them dearly. Pallbearers for the service will be Dennis Beyer, Rob Fisher, Ed Keit, Rex Lynch, Dave Mielens, Roy Rasmus, Pat Schultz, Brian Schupbach, Murray Sutherland, Vic Shorkey, Carl Wieland and Honorary Pallbearer Tony Windt. We truly appreciate the care given to Mark by Dr. Maragiri, Dr. Littles, Dr. Abramson and their staffs, the staff at 3 East, Bay Regional Medical Center. Heartland Home Health Care and Heartland Hospice have provided great comfort and care to Mark, Thank you. We would like to thank our family, extended family and friends for their love and support shown to Mark and us during this difficult time, God's blessings to you all. To my husband and our father, we thank you for always showing us your love and compassion, your smile and great hugs, also for sharing it with those around you. Your smile and laughter will always be cherished and most of all never forgotten, hold our hands and provided us your strength. You make us so proud to be your family, Love, Lori, Dana and Jack. Funeral Services will take place Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church 510 W. Ivy St. Officiating will be Rev. William H. Allwardt and Rev. John W. Wernecke with interment following in Fremont Cemetery. Friends may call at the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. Sunday from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. and on Monday from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m.. Mark will be taken to the church on Tuesday to lie in state from 10:00 a.m. and until the time of services. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to "Wishes of the Family" to be dispersed to American Cancer Society, Zion Lutheran, Heartland Health Care and Heartland Hospice.