Gary Ruckel

Gary Day Ruckel passed away on May 30, in Columbus, Ohio at the age of 81. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara (McKinley) Ruckel and by his second wife Carleen (Sharpenberg) Ruckel. ​ ​ He is survived by: three children; Ryan Ruckel, Wendy (Ruckel) May, and Taylor Ruckel; six grandchildren; siblings; Gail Ruckel, Karen (Ruckel) Gaag, and Marc Ruckel; along with nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Gary was born in Elyria, Ohio on October 4, 1937 to Ford and Mavis Ruckel. Growing up, Gary helped on the family dairy farm. He participated in 4-H, including teaching swimming at summer camp. He attended Ohio State University, where he was a proud member of Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. After earning a degree in Dairy Science in 1959​,​ Gary served three years in the military. Throughout his long career in sales, he was regularly recognized for excellence. In his free time, he took great joy in helping others in his community.
In his heart, ​Gary was a Buckeye through and through -- catching as many basketball and football games as possible. He loved fishing, golf, and jazz music. All will remember him for his wit, his practicality, his love of reading, and his famous pineapple-upside-down cake.

A celebration of his life will be held Thursday, June 13, 2019 at 6:30 pm at the Shaw-Davis Funeral Home, Clintonville Chapel, 4341 N. High St., Columbus, Ohio. Visitation will begin at 5:30 PM. Condolences may be sent to this same address. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to: Columbus Metropolitan Library Foundation: 9695 S. Grant Ave., Columbus, OH 43215. ​foundation@columbuslibrary.org