Frank Charles Ruff

RUFF, Frank Charles, Age 80, December 5th, 2014 of West Bloomfield. Survived by his wife Gretchen, son Jason Ruff, step daughters Jenifer and Alicia Snow, siblings Roseanne Lukas, Marilyn VanSlambroke and Karl Ruff, son-in-laws Matt Kwilasand Rod Norberg, grandfather of Clara Kelly and Ana Kelly of Northpoint, Maine, Atticus Hilts and Odin Hilts of Boston, Mass., and Zoie Kwilas of Allenpark, Michigan.

Born in Dearborn, Michigan on July 8th, 1934 to Pearl & Frank Ruff. Frank attended Sacred Heart High School, became an Eagle Scout and went to Lawrence Institute of Technology on a scholarship following high school. He attended University of Detroit, spent 2 years in the Navy following which he went to work at Ford Motor Company. After submitting his design portfolio he moved from being a filing clerk to the Ford Automotive Design Studios where he worked for 10 years. In 1964 he joined the Chrysler Design staff as a manager. He was most proud of having designed the 1968 Dodge Charger, and eventually managed 4 design studios. In 1961 he married his first wife Barbara and they had 2 children: Jason and Carrisa (deceased). In 1994 he married his wife Gretchen and they settled on Hammond Lake, Michigan.

He spent the years from his retirement from Chrysler in 1991 to the present in various beloved design projects. He designed toys, pedestals for art displays, signs and various renovations to the home he and Gretchen shared. His kindness and talent made the world a better place. He will be missed.

A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday December 13th at 11:00 AM at the Pixley Funeral Home, 2904 Orchard Lake Road, Keego Harbor, MI 48320. Memorial contributions are suggested to Angels on Wheels, 1629 Cass Lake Rd, B Keego Harbor, MI 48320. Condolences may be shared with the family at www.pixleyfuneral.com