George F. Ruh, Jr.
August 16, 1942 ~ May 19, 2025

Ruh, George F.,Jr., passed away, Monday May 19, 2025, at the age of 82. He was born August 16, 1942, to the late George F Ruh Sr. and Virginia (Allen). Beloved husband of Janette E. Ruh (nee Smith). Dear father of Cindi (Russ) Loomis, Christi (Joe) DeMuri and Jennie (Don) Miller. Loving grandfather of Katie, Emma and the late Brian Loomis, JC (Kelly), Jonathan and Ryan (Alyssa) DeMuri, Josh (Maddie Eifert), Kayla and Madeline Miller. Great grandfather of Ava and Maverick DeMuri. Brother of Richard (Kay) Ruh and the late Robert (Pam, survives) Ruh. Dear uncle, cousin and friend to many.

Anyone who knew George knew he had a passion for sports, especially anything that had to do with a ball. His love for sports from a young age paved the way for him to play basketball at UMSL. He continued his love for sports playing nine seasons with the KXOK All-Star basketball team. Earning the nickname ‘Tooth Fairy’, he was known for his on-court wig-wearing antics, even playing one game on a donkey and another in a wheelchair for charity. In 2010 George won the All-American Softball Player of the year and later that year his team won the World Series. In 2018, he was inducted into the St. Louis Seniors Softball Hall of Fame and the following year inducted into the Show-Me State games and Missouri Senior Games. Participating in the Senior Olympics, George traveled extensively, competing and making many friends. His contributions were recognized in 2023 with the Walter “Doc” Eberhardt Memorial Award from the St. Louis Senior Olympics. Most recently, with his family watching proudly, George was inducted into the St. Louis Softball Hall of Fame. George’s love of sports led him to become a beloved coach, coaching high school boys basketball and football, and high school girls basketball, track, softball and tennis. He even found time to coach his own daughters’ softball teams. George didn’t let age slow him down, his love of sports continued to broaden, eventually finding a new interest; playing and teaching pickleball.

George built a career following another passion, education. He transferred from UMSL to Mizzou, earning his education degree and subsequently embarking on his career as a teacher and coach at Pattonville High School, eventually becoming Assistant Principal and founding father of The Positive School. He consistently went above and beyond for his students, even co-signing a car loan, which ultimately led to him possessing the Mustang. After retiring from Pattonville, he became a coach and Athletic Director at Maplewood/Richmond Heights. George concluded his career in education as an adjunct professor at UMSL, where he taught future teachers.

George loved his family with a profound love, finding joy in watching it flourish. He cherished watching his daughters (from his ex-wife Polly) grow up along with Jan’s family and the time he could spend with them and their families. Over the years, George earned many nicknames; Fred Farkle, the Tooth Fairy, Mr. Positive, Mr. Lutheran, Coach, The Ancient Warrior, and a Founding Father of The McDerelicts. But the names he found the most joy in being called were Dad and Papa.

George’s competitive spirit helped him fight his disease longer than doctors anticipated, giving him time to write a book reflecting on his life. At the end of the book, George’s advice was to follow the Golden Rule: do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This was the core of how George tried to live his life, and it can be seen in everything he did. Services: Visitation at the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. until the memorial service at 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Evelyn's House.