Birth date: Apr 9, 1945 Death date: Mar 12, 2016
Pastor Terry Edward Ruther, 70, The Villages, Florida passed away on March 12, 2016 at his residence under the loving care of his family and staff of Kindred at Home Hospice of Marion County. Terry was born on April 9, 1945 in Cle Read Obituary
In honor of my wonderful, loving husband, I light this candle. He was truly the light of my life.
Reading his obituary and comments from family and friends warms my heart every year on his birthday and on our anniversary, June 8.
When he began the radio show on WZLP at our last church, Zion Lutheran in Waterville, he made up a funny song for each of his co-hosts, played before each of their segments on the show. I would play the piano while he sang. We recorded each one, and played it before they talked on the show, PT and Company.
We had a wonderful 48 years. I loved being a pastor's wife...especially Terry's!
I will never forget the Agape' Singers and how much Terry and Royce put into us. I was very saddened by this
and I pray for Royce and family.
Thanks to pastor Terry for his unequivocal support as I sought to find my way into the ministry.
Thinking of the whole Ruther Family as we send our love and prayers. Remembering so fondly our time and friendship with Terry over all the years. Peace and blessings...
Bob and Peggy Springer
As a mostly-on-holidays church-goer in my hometown, I felt totally welcome and at-home by Pastor Terry as he never failed to greet me with a big hug and a tease about whether it was Easter or Christmas. Instead of making me feel awkward about not attending all the time, he made me feel special for showing up. He made me feel like I mattered.
I'll never forget how he helped our family fight hospital red tape when my grandmother was ill, and how he gently talked Grandma through the facts of her faith when she was struggling with a life-or-death decision. I admire how he handled that, and appreciate what he did for her, and us, and me. Thank you, Pastor Terry.
Royce and family - our heartfelt prayers and resurrection promises are with you all! Tim & Kate Philabaum
God bless Pastor Terry. What a great man and friend to our family. Bo and Rose Craddock
Dear Royce,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time. Please know that you and Pastor Terry were a powerful influence and blessing in my life during your time at St. Paul's in Defiance. It seems like only yesterday that the two of you were encouraging me to pursue college. Both of you were always quick to smile, laugh (especially Pastor Terry's jovial belly laugh) and provide encouragement to us teenagers at St. Paul's. I'm so glad I was able to contact both of you when Pastor Terry retired, and regret not having stayed in closer contact over the years. May God grant you and your children peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
God's blessings,
John Wahl
My dearest Royce, I can not begin to tell you what your influence has had on my heart, and the sadness of Terry's passing is unbearable for you I know. I share in this pain with you, you know the deep connection Karen and I had with Terry. I keep apiece of you both in my heart. Love you hard! De
