Michael "Mike" O. Ruff

Ruff, Michael O. "Mike" passed away suddenly on December 30, 2015. He was born August 9, 1961 in Cleveland, Ohio. He was a 1979 graduate of Mentor High School. There was a certain presence about Mike; he was a big man both in his size and in his essence. For those whom he loved, they had an advocate and a friend who would who go to battle for them. His love for family, God and Idlewild Baptist Church was a major part of his life. He was the most giving and generous man. To his family he was their "Rock" and spiritual leader. He was the protector, the fixer, the guy with every tool to fix any problem. Like his father, he had a great love for cars... which led him to many auto related ventures. You could not meet Mike and remain unchanged. He had a sense of purpose and resolve to encourage people to be the best they could be, and to never waste a moment. He was a man of integrity, and was known for always doing the right thing, even if it was not the easy thing. Countless missions trips with his local church, and his service among the teenagers will leave a "Mike sized hole" that will never be replaced. Survivors are his loving wife of 27 years, Shawn (nee Ward); daughters, Lauren Rene and Chelsea Renee of Land O' Lakes and "adopted" Corissa McKenzie of Deerfield Beach, FL.; brothers, Richard E of Ozark, MO; Kurt C (Linda) of Perry, OH; Matthew C of Ozark, MO; step-mother, Maryann Ruff of Mentor, OH.; mother and father-in-law, Joe & JoAnn Ward of Spring Hill, FL.; sisters-in-law, Lee Slaton, Kim Richburg (Frank), Kelly Carter (Craig); nieces & nephews, Joseph Ward (Mandy) God children Luke, Jude, and Amelia Ward, Jared Slaton (Alyssa & Ella), Jacob Slaton, Kevin & Kyle Durkin, Cameron & Carson Carter, Lindsey Williams (Jordan), Alexis, Jacklyn, Analise Ruff & Fajeo Arguelles (Lauren). He was preceded in death by his parents, Richard E Ruff, Claudette and Jack Baker. Funeral services will be held at Idlewild Baptist Church on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at 11:00am. The family will receive friends from 10:00am - 11:00am at the church prior to the service and 6:00pm to 9:00pm on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at Blount & Curry Funeral Home Carrollwood Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to: Construction for Worldwide Evangelism (CWE) 4301 W. South Ave, Tampa, FL 33614.