Thomas G. Ruffing

Thomas Gene Ruffing, 64 of Antwerp passed away Thursday, March 22, 2018 at Defiance Inpatient Hospice Home. 

Tom was born in Bellevue, Ohio on November 6, 1953 a son of the late Warner & Pauline (Wybensinger) Ruffing.

Tom worked at Spartech in Paulding and previously worked as a conductor on the railroad. 

Tom will be sadly missed by his sons, Justin (Jamie) and Brandon (Cassy); siblings, Ruth Hopper, James & David and grandchildren, Liam, Blade, Starlette, Rylan & Leah.

On June 26, 2010 he was preceded in death by his wife, Sherri (Hicov) whom he married February 1, 1986 & brother, Raymond.

Service is Tuesday, March 27th, 11 am, Dooley Funeral Home, 202 W. River Street, Antwerp, Ohio, with viewing one hour prior.

Viewing is also Monday, 5 to 8 pm.

Memorials are to Woodburn Police Reserves, PO Box 247, Woodburn, IN 46797

Fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com

With a journey that spanned times of great change in the world around him, Thomas “Tom” Ruffing lived a life of purpose while holding his loved ones near. He worked hard, but he also took the time to enjoy life along the way as well. A family man through and through, Tom cherished his roles as a husband and father, but he was also so proud to witness his family tree blossom to include the grandchildren he treasured. Although he will be deeply missed, he leaves behind a priceless collection of memories that his loved ones will forever hold near and dear to their hearts.

It was great to be an American during the 1950s. It was a vibrant decade when James Dean and Marilyn Monroe entertained us on the sliver screen while televisions brought us shows like Father Knows Best and I Love Lucy. As the decade was coming to a close, there was much to celebrate as we became a nation of 50 states with the addition of both Alaska and Hawaii as our 49th and 50th states. Amidst this exciting time was the year 1953 that was met with great anticipation for Werner and Pauline (Wybensinger) Ruffing as they were awaiting the birth of their new baby as the beauty of fall held the city of Bellevue, Ohio, in its grip that November. The big day finally arrived on November 6th when the baby boy they named Thomas Gene drew his first breath. He was the youngest of five children as he was joined in his family by his siblings, Ruth, James, David, and Raymond. Tom’s father worked as a railroad conductor while his mother was a school cook.

In many ways Tom was a young boy of his generation. Raised in Bellevue, he attended local schools. He looked forward to their regular family trips to attend railroad conventions in Puerto Rico. While in high school, Tom really loved working on cars, often working in the garage with his uncle, Al. He could often be found out at the racetrack, too. Tom once did a burnout outside of school that ended up smoking out the cafeteria! He also played the bass guitar in a band, which was not affiliated with the school. Throughout his life Tom loved anything with an engine - even mowers and demo cars.

New and exciting changes were in store for Tom when he met the woman of his dreams. Her name was Sherri Hicov, and they met through mutual friends. They began dating, and it wasn’t long before they fell deeply in love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together Tom and Sherri were married on February 1, 1986. Together they welcomed two sons, Justin and Brandon, into their hearts and home. Tom religiously took his family to the Rumble at the Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, and he also loved going to drag racing events in Norwalk, Ohio, and Eldora Raceway as well as to see the Four Crown Nationals. Perhaps what Tom loved best was building go karts with his sons. They then raced them in Woodburn, Indiana, which was a fundraiser for the Woodburn Police Reserves. To support his family, Tom worked as a conductor on the railroad and then the worked at Spartech in Paulding, Ohio. On June 26, 2010, he was deeply saddened with the death of his wife, Sherri. Tom treasured the companionship of his dog, Reese, and he was like an additional member of the family. In addition to NASCAR racing, he loved the Cleveland Browns.

All who knew Thomas Ruffing would agree that there was no one quite like him. He could be stubborn at times, yet he was also extremely humorous and loved making others laugh. Described as a simple man, he was content in whatever life brought. Willing to work hard, Tom also knew how to play hard, often with his family by his side. Deeply loved, he will be forever missed.

Thomas Gene Ruffing, of Antwerp, passed away Thursday, March 22, 2018, at Defiance Inpatient Hospice Home. Tom’s family includes his sons, Justin (Jamie) and Brandon (Cassy); siblings, Ruth Hopper, James & David; and grandchildren, Liam, Blade, Starlette, Rylan & Leah. Tom was preceded in death by his wife, Sherri (Hicov), and his brother, Raymond. Service is Tuesday, March 27th, 11 a.m., Dooley Funeral Home, 202 W. River Street, Antwerp, Ohio, with viewing one hour prior. Viewing is also Monday, 5 - 8 p.m. Memorials are to Woodburn Police Reserves, PO Box 247, Woodburn, IN 46797. Fond memories may be shared at www.dooleyfuneralhome.com