Donald "Donny" J. Ruther Jr.

Donald (Donny) James Ruther Jr.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Donald (Donny) Ruther Jr, who was taken from us too soon at the age of 56.  Donny was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, friend, and unforgettable presence in our lives.  Donny left us peacefully on August 3, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family at home after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Donny was born May 3, 1968, to Donald and Phyllis Ruther Sr. in Barberton, OH.  He worked for the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 219/55 for 35 years with the last 13 years working at S.A. Comunale.

Donny was preceded in death by his father Donald Ruther Sr., sister Connie Lozier, grandparents Denver Sinnett, Adolph and Mary Alice Ruther, and father in-law George T. Suppan. He leaves behind his devoted wife, Jody (Suppan) Ruther of 28 years.  His son Alec (Alison) Ruther, daughters Carrie (Dave) Karr, Karli (Shawn) Cartmel, and bonus daughter Rachel Backus, along with 9 granddaughters and 2 great-granddaughters. His mother Phyllis Ruther, grandmother Aribell Sinnett, sister Carolyn Lozier and brother John (Kim) Ruther, mother in-law Anne Suppan, sister in-law Annie (Larry) Duca, brother in-law Tommy (Sandy) Suppan along with numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Donny’s love for the great outdoors was evident in his many passions. An avid golfer, he found joy in every putt, always eager to share a round of laughter along with a round of golf.  Donny also had a deep passion for hunting and fishing, spending countless hours in West Virginia, where he felt most at home as a proud landowner.  Known for his non-stop Dad jokes and unparalleled sense of humor, Donny had a unique ability to turn an ordinary moment into an extraordinary one.  His laugh was nothing short of contagious, spreading joy to everyone around him. He loved to show off his culinary skills, especially when bragging about his famous brownies and perfectly cooked eggs.  His greatest pride and joy was his son, Alec.  Their bond was unbreakable, built of countless shared adventures and moments of laughter.  They were best friends, partners in mischief, and the ultimate duo.

The family would like to thank Southern Care Hospice for their exceptional care of Donny and us and also the generosity of coworkers, family and friends in our time of need.

Rest easy, Donny. You will be missed more than words can express, and your laughter will echo in our hearts forever.

Donny's Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024 at St. Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church, 4022 Johnson Rd., Norton. Calling Hours will be held on Thursday from 5-8 p.m. at the Silva-Hostetler Funeral Home, 1199 Wooster Rd. West, Barberton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society for Pancreatic Cancer Research.