John David Ruddle, 88, passed away May 4, 2024, ending his journey of life on earth at peace, time to rest in the hands of God. His family had been with him as he worked to regain strength, especially his daughter monitoring his medical care working with the rehab center staff and doctors.
He was born Nov. 10, 1935, at home in South Charleston, the youngest son of the late Isaac Carter and Evelyn Marie Griffith Ruddle.
After graduating from South Charleston High School in 1954, he began his 44 year career with Union Carbide Chemical Plant in South Charleston. His home plant was in Institute. As a millwright yet with education and experience, he moved to work in other departments, as well as other UCC chemical plant locations, retiring from Bayer Corporation in Institute.
He was a 50-year member of St. Albans Masonic Lodge #58. After retiring and leaving St. Albans to live in Rainbrook Villa Senior Community in Yorktown, Virginia, he continued to visit the Scottish Rite lodges. In St. Albans, he and his family were active at Highlawn Presbyterian Church and became active at Kirkwood Presbyterian Church, in Yorktown, Virginia.
He was a proud father and active with their activities as well as a devoted West Virginia University fan.
On Jan. 24, 1957, he married Patricia Ann Hebb, a resident of St. Albans and also a 1954 graduate of SCHS. The couple moved to St. Albans in 1959. His wife of 67 years survives.
Also surviving are a son, David Glenn Ruddle (Chantel Aracne-Ruddle) of Livermore, California; two daughters, Elizabeth “Libby” Ann Kortz (Stephen Andrew) of Yorktown, Virginia, and Katherine Marie O’Dea (Shawn Patrick), of London, Ohio; six grandchildren, Andrew, Robert, Brittney Lee, Mathew David, Kaitlin Marie and Zachary; eight great-grandchildren; five nieces; six nephews; a sister-in-law, Mary Margery Coen Ruddle; and many cousins in Pendleton County.
He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Early Ruddle and Carter Lee “Pete” Ruddle; and a nephew, Joel Lee Myers.
A graveside committal service will be held at noon Sept. 7 at Graceland Memorial Park, 100 Graceland Circle, South Charleston, with Pastor John Nelson of Highlawn Presbyterian Church officiating. A Masonic interment will follow.
