Obituary of Edwin Ellis Ruoff

Edwin E. Ruoff, Lt. Col. USAF (Ret.), 90, of Clearwater. "Absent from the body; present with the Lord" (II Cor. 5:8) Jan. 17, 2012. Ed was born on Aug. 24, 1921, and spent his last days on earth at Woodside Hospice House surrounded by beloved and loving family members who will forever cherish their warm memories of him: the love of his life, best friend, and devoted wife of 30 yrs., Fran; daughter, Christy Coker (Wayne); son, Edwin E. Ruoff Jr.; grandchildren, Kandi Brownlow (Marlon), Terri Cannady, Ronnie Cannady, and Edwin E. Ruoff III; great grandchildren, Ashley Slaton (Joey), SrA Jeremy Young (April), Joshua Young, Caleb Cannady, Brittney Cannady, and Hunter McCarson; and a great great grandchild, Ariel Slaton. Ed was a magna cum laude graduate of Adelphi College in New York. He honorably served his country 26 years during WWII, Korea and Vietnam and was a recipient of the bronze star during the Korean Conflict. He then served as Director of Hillsborough County Civil Service 1971-1981. A celebration of life will take place on Monday, Jan. 23, at 6:30 PM at Grace Christian Fellowship, 901 Ridge Road SW. Largo, FL 33770. A committal service will be held Tuesday, Jan. 24 at 1:30 PM at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. The family extends their deepest gratitude to Scott Elsass and staff of Largo Rehab & Spa for their excellent and tender care of Ed and for their thoughtful consideration of Fran. Also to Woodside Hospice House staff for their compassionate care of Ed and family during his final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, and donations may be made to Grace Christian Fellowship, Suncoast Hospice, or DAV.