Henry Ernest Ruther

Henry "Hank" Ernest Ruther, 91, died peacefully on March 28, 2022, with family by his side. Hank was happiest when surrounded by his extensive and loving family. A longtime resident of Colorado Springs, Colorado, he was born June 28, 1930, to William John and Emma Anna Sophie (Schmeelke) Ruther in New York City. While he was a child, the family moved to own and operate a dairy farm in Delanson, New York.Hank, a country gentleman, would meet Mary Ann (Corbett) Ruther, a city girl and the love of his life, on the dance floor. Hank and Mary wed on September 18, 1955 and was blessed with nearly sixty-seven years of love and companionship, and four loving children.As a technician in the telecommunications field, he moved his family to Sawkill, New York and later to Colorado Springs, Colorado. Hank and Mary traveled extensively and had the opportunity to share experiences in all fifty U.S. states, Canada, Europe, and the Holy Land. Hank loved camping, walking, hiking, constructing puzzles, playing games with family, woodworking, designing and building houses, and of course, dancing with Mary. Hank is survived by his wife, Mary (Corbett) Ruther; daughters, Karen (Stan) Robak, twins Christine (David) Russi, and Cathleen (Stephen) Karaffa; son, James (Jan) Ruther; eight grandchildren, Jason (Kaley) Karaffa, Jamie (Zach Craighead) Karaffa, Stephanie (Alex) Hammond, Bryan (Jessica) Russi, Kimberly (Nate) Ronsse, Gregory (Sarah) Russi, Matthew (Shayne Graff) Robak, and Eric Robak; five great-grandchildren, Keegan Karaffa, Haydon Hammond, Forrest Russi, Colbie Ronsse, and Merrick Ronsse; his brother, William (Margo) Ruther; and several cousins (in Germany and U.S.) and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Emma Ruther; and twin grandchildren, Caitlin Mary Karaffa, and Kristen Anna Karaffa.In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.Celebration of Life, 10:00AM, Reception immediately following, Thursday, April 21, 2022, Church on the Ranch, 3685 Jeannine Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80917. Rosary, 9:15AM, Funeral Mass, immediately following, 10:00AM, Friday, April 22, 2022, St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 6455 Brook Park Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80918. Events Celebration of Life Thursday, April 21, 2022 10:00AM Church on the Ranch 3685 Jeannine Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80917 Phone: 719-328-1793 Reception Thursday, April 21, 2022 11:00AM Church on the Ranch 3685 Jeannine Drive Colorado Springs, CO 80917 Phone: 719-328-1793 Rosary Friday, April 22, 2022 9:15AM St. Patrick Catholic Church 6455 Brook Park Drive Colorado Springs,, CO 80918 Phone: 719-598-3595 Funeral Mass Friday, April 22, 2022 10:00AM St. Patrick Catholic Church 6455 Brook Park Drive Colorado Springs,, CO 80918 Phone: 719-598-3595