Area resident, Eddie F. Ruffing, 63, 10926 Hawthorn Road, Plymouth, died of natural causes at 6:50 p.m. on Tuesday, January 18, 2005, in the Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Plymouth.
Born on July 5, 1941, in Argos, Ind., Eddie was the son of Frank and Edna Hooker Ruffing. He graduated from Argos High School.
On August 11, 1978, in Plymouth, Eddie and Patricia Carpenter were married.
A foreman for Michiana Contracting, Eddie enjoyed golf. Called “Mr. Fix-It!” by his family and friends, he loved working on his home. He was an avid bird watcher and liked feeding the wild birds and stray cats who came to his door.
Eddie is survived by his wife, Patricia, Plymouth, and by their three children and four step-children.
They are, two sons and daughters-in-law, Lester and Judy Ruffing, Argos, and Bruce and Cindy Ruffing, Fennville, Michigan. His daughter and son-in-law are Valerie and John Cooke, Knox, Ind.
His step-son and his wife, David and Dawn Carpenter, Bremen, and three step-daughters also survive. They are: Penni Carpenter, LaPaz; Rebbecca Easterday and Tina Toral, both of Warsaw, Ind.
Nineteen grandchildren and 7 and 1/2 great-grandchildren survive as well, together with two sisters, Joyce and John West of Bourbon and Lois and Paul McGriff of Tennessee.
Eddie was preceded in death by his parents and by Fran, a sister.
Friends may visit with the family on Friday, January 21, 2005, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home, 1100 N. Michigan St., Plymouth.
Funeral services for Eddie will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, January 22, 2005, in the funeral home. The Rev. Gail Law, pastor of the Inwood United Methodist Church will officiate.
Burial will be in New Oakhill Cemetery, Plymouth.
Memorial contributions in Eddie’s memory may be made to the American Cancer Society.