Arthur Dale "Art" Ruthruff, Jr.

Arthur D. (Dale) Ruthruff, Jr., 86, a lifelong Battle Creek, Michigan resident died peacefully at home with his family at his side, after battling cancer.

Art was born September 12, 1937, in Battle Creek to Arthur Dale Ruthruff and Mabell June (Slaight) Ruthruff. He graduated from Battle Creek Central in 1955 and continued his education at Kellogg Community College. Art honorably served eight years in the US Naval Reserve. He was employed at Kraft/General Foods/Post Division for 37 years, retiring in 1995.

Art is survived by his wife of 25 years Donna Jean (Rivers) Ruthruff his daughter, Deborah (Rod) Beers of Olivet, a stepson, Eric Caswell of Battle Creek; two step-daughters, Karen Ray of Climax, Sincere Illingssworth of Naples, Florida; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; a brother, Gordon (Jean) Ruthruff of Macon, GA; two sisters, Natalie (Melvin) Healy of Hastings, Leslie (Tom) Beilby of Escanaba; and Art was blessed with many friendships. Art was preceded in death by his father, Arthur; his mother, June; a son, Gary L. Ruthruff, and his stepson, Neil Croften.

Art was a member of Ceresco Baptist Church, and the American Baptist Church of Lakeland. He also attended Family Altar Chapel of Battle Creek. He was a life member of Bedford Masonic Lodge #207 F&AM, Past High Priest of the Bedford Royal Arch Masons #188, Bedford #471 O.E.S., and Marshall Moose #676. He enjoyed golfing and an occasional practical joke. Art and Donna had a wonderful life sharing many adventures together, going on cruises, traveling worldwide and wintering in Lakeland, Florida. He will be remembered as a caring, compassionate gentleman with a huge heart.

A service to celebrate Art’s life will be held at Family Altar Chapel at. 11 a.m. November 7th, 2023. Followed by grave side service immediately following at Floral Lawn.   There will be visitation from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Family Altar Chapel. 

Memorial contributions may be made to Ceresco Baptist Church, 230 Marshall St., Ceresco, MI 49033, Family Altar Chapel, 14844 6 ½ Mile Rd., Battle Creek, MI 49014 or The American Baptist Church, 1500 Daughtery Rd., Lakeland, FL 33810.

Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for Art’s family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.  If you would like to send flowers, please send them to the funeral home.