Clare M. Ruttan, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in the T2 ICU unit of Akron City Hospital on Sunday, January 10, 2010 after a brief illness.
Clare was born in Hamilton, Ontario on December 24, 1936 to the late Willard (Mickey) and Verna Ruttan. He will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 48 years Janet, and their two daughters; Sherri (Mike) O'Connor and Wendy (Tom) Hughes, as well as his beloved granddaughters Taylor and Krissy, and grandson Cameron. He was a loving “Papa” to all, and his greatest joy was spending vacations with them each year at the beach.
Clare was well known in the automobile business, having worked for many years with his father at Ruttan Ford, and then moving next door to Tony Perry Chevrolet, which later became Serpentini Chevrolet, from which he retired. Sports and cars were his passions, especially the University of Michigan football team. He was a member of the FOE 2117, VFW Post 1089, American Legion 170, and Moose Lodge 2070. Thank you to everyone who touched Clare’s life.
We are deeply grateful for the kindness and compassion of the entire staff of the T2 ICU at Akron City Hospital, as well as the SCU staff at Wadsworth-Rittman Hospital. A special thanks to Mylinda, his final nurse, who took such loving care of him and us at the end.
Clare will be cremated according to his wishes. A memorial service will be conducted 7:00 PM Friday at the Hilliard-Rospert Funeral Home, 174 N. Lyman St. Wadsworth, with Pastor Steve Ferguson officiating. The family will receive friends 3 hours prior to the service from 4-7 PM Friday.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society, 525 North Broad St, Canfield, OH 44406, or to the charity of your choice.