Russell Lee Grubbs II

Russell Lee Grubbs II died on February 21, 2024. He was 63, born February 24, 1960 in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Russell Lee and Esther (Dunno) Grubbs. Russ looked like a big tough guy, but he was a sweet, gentle man. His daughter Caiti described him as “a big teddy bear.” Later he worked as a truck dispatcher, but his real mission in life came after his wife Ellen died unexpectedly in 2010. Russ suddenly became a single parent of his then-teens, Rusty and Caiti. His mission became raising them to become the same decent, stable, kind grown-up he was. Along the way he quietly encouraged all their dreams and ambitions. He kept up family traditions like family game nights with his sisters and annual trips to Cedar Point amusement park. Russ stayed close with his sisters with trips and family gatherings. Ellen’s family loved him and the way he made sure they got to be part of the kids’ lives. During his recent, long hospital stay, he proudly shared the news of Caiti’s pregnancy and Rusty’s engagement. He died knowing he had succeeded with them and they were loved. Russ was such an accomplished soft-pitch softball player that he’s in the Softball Hall of Fame. He had a weakness for rescuing black labradors, once bringing a dog home that he had been feeding in the truck yard. Russ collected beer bottles and big American antique cars. He loved movies and lived to the soundtrack of Guardians of the Galaxy. Russ is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Ellen M. (Vinzant) Grubbs. Survived by his son, Russell L. Grubbs III and his fiancée, Liv Long; and daughter, Caitlin M. Grubbs and her husband, Alex Rivers, who are expecting Russ’ first grandchild this year; sisters Patricia (John) Seymour, Pamela (Bill) Tabor and Lisa (Bill) Rathburn; many nieces, nephews, beloved dogs and other family and friends. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., when the funeral will begin at 1:30 pm at Advantage Funeral Home by Schoedinger Hilltop, 3030 W. Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio 43204. Afterwards he will be buried next to his wife, Ellen, at Sunset Cemetery.