Norman J. Ruder

Obituary



Norman J. Ruder, age 85, of Hays, Kansas passed away peacefully Saturday, September 19, 2020 at Hays Medical Center. He was born May 8, 1935 in Zurich, Kansas to Alfred R. and Agnes (Dinges) Ruder. On June 29, 1953 Norman married Susie Weigel at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays. Together, they shared 65 years of marriage. Susie preceded him in death on September 21, 2018.



Norman graduated from St Joseph Military Academy, Hays in 1952. He started his oilfield career of 38 years working for Tret-O-Lite, Halliburton, and in 1959 started Service Acid, Inc. After retirement, Norman and Susie spent 25 years between their homes in Hays and Rio Verde, AZ. In Hays, he was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, on the Advisory Board of Directors of Bank IV, member of KIOGA, Ahearn member of Kansas State University, supporter of Fort Hays State University Athletics, and on the Board of Directors of Good Samaritan, Hays.



In Rio Verde, he was a member of St. Dominic Catholic Mission and choir. He was a Stephen Minister and took great pride in helping others. He was an active member of the Grand Canyon State Woodcarvers, Inc., Rio Verde Woodcarvers Club, and the Fountain Hills Community Chorus. He and Susie supported and volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and enjoyed volunteering at Andre House of Arizona.

His marriage to his wife, Susie, was a joy to behold by all who witnessed their love for one another. He was very devoted to family and faith. He was a great dad and very proud grandpa. Norman took great joy in his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, attending their sporting and personal achievement events. His favorite activities included fishing, hunting, camping, boating, traveling, choir, and woodcarving. He was an avid golfer at Smoky Hill Country Club, Rio Verde Country Club and Kissing Camels Country Club.

He is survived by a son, Douglas Ruder and Terry Derr of Hays; two daughters, Linda Ruder and her husband Bruce Burkholder of Hays, Kathy Taylor and her husband Roger Taylor of Rio Verde, AZ; five grandchildren, Blythe Brown and her husband Mike of Victoria, KS, Breanne Nelson of Merriam, KS, Jamie Cornelsen and her husband Ryan of Gardner, KS, Ryan Taylor of Austin, TX, Kelsee Gordon and her husband Mike of Scottsdale, AZ, as well as nine great-grandchildren. Norman also leaves behind a loving extended family that includes many cherished nieces, nephews and friends.



Norman was preceded in death by his parents, a son, N.J. Ruder Jr. and a brother, Maurice Ruder.



Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday, September 28, 2020 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Hays. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery.



Visitation will be Sunday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM with a combined parish vigil and rosary at 7:00 PM at Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Monday visitation will be at St. Joseph Church 10:30 AM until service time.



Due to the corona virus if you have a cough, fever or are not feeling well, please use our e-mail or online guestbook. Social distancing and wearing masks are suggested at the visitation and at the funeral service.



Memorial contributions are suggested to TMP-Marian High School, St. Joseph Church or Hospice at HaysMed.



Condolences may be left on Norman's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com



















Services







Visitation Sunday

September 27, 2020

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM



2509 Vine Street

Hays, Kansas 67601









Combined rosary and vigil service Sunday

September 27, 2020

7:00 PM



2509 Vine Street

Hays, Kansas 67601









Visitation Monday

September 28, 2020

10:30 AM to 11:00 AM

St. Joseph Catholic Church

210 W. 13th

Hays, Kansas 67601









Funeral Mass Monday

September 28, 2020

11:00 AM

St. Joseph Catholic Church

210 W. 13th

Hays, Kansas 67601