Micheal Ray Ruth

Micheal R. Ruth, 79 of La Grande died Tuesday, July 19th at his home.

A celebration of his life will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 30th at Daniels-Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center on 7th Street in La Grande.  Friends and family are invited to gather at the Island City Hall for food and fellowship following the service.  Private interment will be held later at the Summerville Cemetery.

Mike was born September 19, 1942 in Perry the son of James Ruth and Gusta (Fowler) Hall.  He grew up attending schools in Perry and La Grande and spending summers in Crescent City, California.  In 1959 he entered the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Larson Airforce base in Moses Lake, Washington.  He served as an MP and part of his duties included training police dogs.  After his honorable discharge he married Patricia Willis in La Grande on November 11, 1964.

Mike was very skilled and capable of doing nearly anything that needed done.  He worked for Prudential Insurance, Trotter’s Mens Wear and Western Business University.  He managed the House of Magic Department Store and later Rosedale Fiberglass Manufacturing Company, the Donut Factory and Oak Street Mobile Station.  He worked at Daniels Funeral Chapel and was part owner and property manager for the former Montgomery Wards Building.  He worked for Oregon Dept. of Transportation on the striping crew before starting his business, PM Lighting, a commercial lighting consultant and contractor, which he operated until his retirement.

Mike was a member of the Elks Lodge and the La Grande Country Club as well as a devoted member of many coffee groups at various restaurants throughout the years, primarily DeBordes Cafe, the Farmhouse and the Smokehouse.  He was an avid Green Bay Packer fan.  Mike was very involved and supportive with his children and grandchildren in scouting and little league and all their activities.

Surviving relatives include his wife of 57 years, Patricia “Pat” of La Grande; children, Cindy Shultz of McMinnville, Debbie & Tom Barlitt of Davies, Florida, Craig & Joan Ruth of Evans, Washington; grandchildren, Nicole & Weston, Micheal & Cassie, Ryan, CJ, Ashley, Brandon, Dustin, Collin; 5 great grandchildren; siblings, Bunny, Steve, Amber, all of Perry and Kenneth & Belinda of La Grande; and his beloved dog Benji.

He was preceded in death by his father James Ruth, mother Gusta Hall, stepfather Kenneth Hall, brother Jim Ruth and a sister-in- law Linda Ruth.

Contributions in memory of Mike Ruth may be made to the Blue Mtn Humane Assoc., 3212 US-30, La Grande, OR  97850.

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