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RICHARD "DICK" RUFFRIDGE

April 17, 1923 - January 14, 2013

Dick was born April 17, 1923 in Locust, Iowa to Theobald and Violette (Stoskopf) Ruffridge.  He was baptized at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Locust and confirmed at the Mabel First Lutheran Church where he has been a member since.  He attended the Mabel High School.  As a young man he worked for area farmers and at the age of 21 was injured in a corn picker accident, losing one of his hands.  On April 17, 1948 he was married to Delores Peterson in Mabel.  They lived in Mabel and Dick started his truck driving career picking up milk.  Over the years he drove for Bill Welch, had his own “Ruffridge Trucking” business, drove for Thompson Grain, and lastly hauling grain for Jim Horihan. 

He was a member of the Mabel First Lutheran Church, a Life Member of the Lions Club, an original member of the Mabel Sportsman’s Club, and the Hesper-Mabel Area Historical Society, and he served several years on the Mabel Volunteer Fire Department.  He enjoyed John Wayne movies, horses, bowling, fishing, hunting, building bird houses, gardening, and playing cards.  He was a friend to all that knew him.

Dick passed away  Monday, January 14, 2013 at the Green Lea Manor Nursing Home in Mabel from complications of Multiple Myeloma at the age of 89.

Dick is survived by his wife Delores of Mabel; two daughters Maureen (Gary) Arneson of Mabel, and   Kelly of Dallas, Texas; three sons Kerry of Riceford, Minnesota, Brent (Jill) of Monona, Wisconsin, and Kirk (Veronica) of Bentonville, Arkansas; ten grandchildren Andy and Kelsey Ruffridge, Abby and Molly Ruffridge, Victoria and Denton Ruffridge, Kimberly Blaess, Todd Horgen, and Jason and Spencer Ruffridge; four great grandchildren Cole Horgen, Tate and Ty Horgen, and Samantha Seekes; and great great granddaughter Addison Seekes.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Randy; and four half-brothers Floyd, Earl, Harold, and Lester.

Funeral services will be 11 AM Friday, January 18, 2013 at the Mabel First Lutheran Church in Mabel with the Rev. Gail George officiating. Burial will be in the Mabel Lutheran Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 – 7 PM Thursday, January 17at the Mengis Funeral Home in Mabel and one hour prior to services at the church.
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