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Colonel Larry Dean Ruggley, United States Army (Retired), age 71 of Butler, KY passed away unexpectedly on September 3, 2023. COL Ruggley retired from the United States Army after 34 years of service where he was a Special Forces Green Beret.  

He will always be remembered as a loving husband and devoted family man, enjoying his final years in his favorite role of Grandpa. He loved the life that him and his wife built, driving his tractor around the farm, and could be seen at his grandchildrens’ sporting events.  

COL Ruggley was born in Bluffton, Ohio and preceded in death by his parents Harold and Mildred (Grismore) Ruggley. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Marie Ruggley; his children, Monica Ruggley, Sabrina (Christian Hutchinson) Hazen, Brian (Erica) Ruggley and Annina Ruggley; his sister Peggy Ruggley; his nephew Ray (Sue) Ruggley Jr.; and grandchildren, Nicholas, Cameron, and Madison Mandel, Ava Ruggley, Nathaniel Hazen, Ella Ruggley, Kaylin Parsons and Grace Hutchinson.

COL Ruggley began his military career in 1971 when he enlisted in the Army and served in the Army Security Agency, being Honorably Discharged in 1973, after which he attended Lima Technical College and Ohio University.

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Thomas "Thom" M. Craig, 74, passed away August 26, 2023, at Mennonite Memorial Home.

Thomas was born June 8, 1949 in Lima to Paul and Helen (Corderman) Craig who preceded him in death. On June 20, 1970 he married Cheryl (Craven) Craig who survives. 

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Sally J. Fruchey, 82, passed away August 23, 2023, at the Meadows of Ottawa.

Sally was born September 30, 1940 in Bluffton, to Loren "Bill" and Margaret "Peg" (McGuire) Bassitt who preceded her in death. On June 19, 1960, she married Roger Fruchey who survives.

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A Celebration of Life has been scheduled for Richard E. Huss who passed away August 2, 2023. 

The service will begin at 12:00 p.m., Sunday, August 27, 2023 at the English Lutheran Church, 111 Grove St, Bluffton.

A fellowship luncheon will take place following the service at the church. 

Richard's obituary can be read HERE.

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Jerry R. Diamond, 78, passed away August 13, 2023 at the Bridge Hospice Care Center in Findlay. Jerry was born August 3, 1945 in Alva, Kentucky to the late John and Ann (Miller) Diamond.  

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Deborah "Debb" A. Herr, 68, passed away August 10, 2023 at her residence. Debb was born September 24, 1954 in Bluffton to the late Millard and Julia (Burns) Herr. 

Debb was a 1972 graduate of Bluffton High School and attended Bluffton College. She worked for ODOT for over 36 years where she had been a union steward. Debb was a talented cellist for the Lima Symphony Orchestra for many years and also taught private lessons for cello. She was passionate about music and assisted with the Bluffton Schools music programs. Debb was a poll worker for the Allen County Board of Elections and enjoyed watching NFL football, especially the Baltimore Ravens. 

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