Larry Ruch

Larry Flavian Ruch, 72, of Jackson died Friday, Feb. 26, 2016, at Saint Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau.

He was born Sept. 13, 1943, in Friedheim to Flavian John and Viola Statler Ruch. He and Patricia Franklin Ruch were married Sept. 28, 1963, at Jackson.

Larry worked for Eastern Airlines in St. Louis for 15 years; he then worked locally for Citizens Mutual Insurance for several years. After retirement, his passion was raising cattle. However, probably his two favorite animals were his border collies, Tootsie, and after she died, TuTu.

He was an outstanding football player and played for the 1959 undefeated Jackson Indians. He not only loved playing football himself, he loved watching his grandsons, Ethan and Thomas, play. He was also very proud of his granddaughter, Mallory, and her competitive cheerleading. He also was an avid Cardinal baseball fan. But more than anything, he was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was very proud of his family and will be greatly missed.

He was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson.

He is survived by his mother, Viola Ruch of Jackson; wife Patricia Ruch of Jackson; son John (Heather) Ruch of Jackson; two grandsons, Ethan and Thomas Ruch of Jackson; two granddaughters, Krystin Ruch of Cape Girardeau and Mallory Ruch of Jackson.

He was preceded in death by his father, Flavian John Ruch, and son Christopher Ruch.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Funeral Home-Jackson. Parish prayers will be at 6 p.m. and a Masonic service will be at 7 p.m.

The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Jackson, with the Rev. John Harth officiating. Burial will be at Cape County Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.