Keith A. Ruttan

Keith A. Ruttan, of Kent, Ohio, died peacefully at home on March 8, 2023. Born on October 3, 1937 in Palmerston, Ontario to George and Ethel (Speers) Ruttan. Survived by: loving wife, Donna Ruttan; children, Mary Beth Ruttan, Kathleen (Rock) White, Susan (Jay) Valetta, Keith Christopher (Jeannette) Ruttan; grandchildren, Allison Valetta, Christopher Valetta, Emma Valetta, Elizabeth Valetta, Andrew Valetta, Jenna White, Lauren White, and Oliver Ruttan; and siblings, Howard (Kate) Ruttan and Helen Angus. Preceded in death by brother, Ross Ruttan.

Born in Canada, Keith began visiting the States regularly in the 1950s, married Donna after a whirlwind romance in 1966, and became a U.S. citizen in 1968. 

Keith was a natural and personable salesman. For many years he owned Ruttan Ford Sales. After selling the dealership, Keith pivoted to a successful career in real estate.

A proud Lion for decades, Keith was awarded one of the Lions’ most prestigious honors, the Melvin Jones Fellowship in 2018. Through Lions Club, Keith was very proud to have raised three puppies to be future seeing eye dogs for Pilot Dogs.

Keith was a man of action. Being Canadian, he learned to skate as soon as he could walk. Keith enjoyed playing hockey well into his 40s. Shattering his leg and taking a puck to the face, breaking his nose and requiring several stitches, finally convinced him that it was time to hang up his hockey skates. Building a home and a barn on 19 acres of land was a dream come true for him. The micro-farm was soon populated by a menagerie of animals. Keith spent many hours mowing the fields, tilling land for a large garden, and moving massive piles of dirt from one location to another with his bulldozer- undoubtedly making up for a childhood lacking Tonka Trucks.

Keith cherished spending time with family and loved outdoor activities- when the two could be combined, whether boating, swimming, hiking, golfing, or playing bocce- he was truly in his element.

A special thank you to Karen, Keith’s senior companion, who spent hours playing competitive and fun games of gin rummy and Yahtzee, drinking tea, having tea biscuits, and talking about cars and Canada with Keith.

Thank you also to all of the support offered by Crossroads Hospice and especially to Dave, R.N., who so compassionately nursed Keith from the beginning to the end of his final illness.

Karen and Dave will both hold a cherished place in our hearts forever.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 16, 2023 at 3:00PM at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home, 628 West Main Street, Kent, Ohio 44240. Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:00-3:00PM on Sunday at the funeral home. All are welcome to join the family for a dinner reception following the service at the United Methodist Church of Kent at 1435 East Main Street, Kent, Ohio 44240.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Keith’s memory to Pilot Dogs, 625 WestTown Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215.

Services in the care of Bissler and Sons Funeral Home and Crematory.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.