Richard J. Ruch

Dr. Richard (Dick) Julius Ruch, 90, of Kent, OH, died February 17, 2023.  He was born in Perryville, MO on June 9, 1932 to Julius and Zita (Boxdorfer) Ruch.  He received his B.S. from Southeast Missouri State University and his M.S. and PhD from Iowa State University.  He was on the faculty of the State University of South Dakota and Southern Illinois University before joining the Chemistry Department of Kent State University in 1966.  He retired from Kent State in 1996 as Emeritus Professor of Chemistry.

Dick was active in the Cleveland Coatings Society, serving as President, Secretary and Treasurer.  His research was in surface and colloid chemistry that was pertinent to paint and to the adhesion industries.  He participated both locally and nationally in presenting educational courses for the coatings industry.

Dick is survived by his sons:  Stephen (Janice) of Kent, David (Carla) of Columbus, IN, Daniel of Kent; daughter, Susan of Kent; grandsons Benjamin of Southport, IN, Matthew of Indianapolis, IN, Thomas of Ypsilanti, MI and Jonathan Ruch of Columbus, IN; and sister-in-law Sharon Sander of Gordonville, MO.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and in 2013 by his wife Leola (Sander) to whom he was married for 59 years.

Friends may call from 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM, Thursday, February 23, 2023 at the Bissler and Sons Funeral Home, 628 W Main St., Kent, OH 44240 with a service to follow at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Standing Rock Cemetery in Kent.  Pastor Doug Riley will officiate.

Memorials may be given to Worship Anew (worshipanew.org), The American Diabetes Association (www.diabetes.org), The Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinson.org), or any charity of the donor’s choice.

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

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