Gordon Ruhl

Gordon Lawrence Ruhl was born on January 27, 1935 in Rose Lake, Michigan, to parents, Charles and Gertrude (Bowen) Ruhl. He grew up on the family farm with his sister Gerri. He love to ride motorcycles as a teen. Gordon attended and graduated from LeRoy High School

In 1953 at the age of 18, Gordon joined the U.S. Army. During his time in the service, he spent time overseas in Greenland, which only served to increase the wanderlust he had always had. Gordon was honorably discharged in 1956. Soon after, he began his lifelong career as a trucker. He took his work very seriously and was a good driver. He considered the opportunity to travel on the job a huge perk and he enjoyed seeing the country while on the road.

In 1958, Gordon was married to Kathrine Westley. They made their home in LeRoy, Michigan and raised their four sons and one daughter together until their separation in 1979.  Later Gordon began a relationship with Linda Wightman, and together they raised her children. Gordon and Linda married in 2001. They loved each other deeply and were together until the end of Linda’s life in the 2011. They had been married only ten years but had been together for over 25 years

Gordon enjoyed spending time tinkering on lawnmowers, spending time with his dog.  He will always be remembered for making us laugh, and for always having a story about driving a big rig.

After his retirement, Gordon settled in Matador, Texas, near Lubbock to be close to his sister Gerri. In recent years as his health declined, Gordon relocated to Burton to live with daughter Cindi and her husband Glen. Gordon passed away on March 29, 2021 at the age of 86. In accordance with Gordon’s wishes, he will be cremated, and his family will hold a private gathering in celebration of his life.

Gordon is survived by children and step children, Lloyd (Hazel) Ruhl, Andrew Ruhl, Lee (Gina) Ruhl, Robert Ruhl, James (Suzette) Farr, Cindi (Glen) Kieke, Rebecca Jo Maycroft; grandchildren Nikki Ruhl, Cristina Deocampo, Christopher Hall, RB Ruhl, Crystal Eneix, Elisabeth Ruhl, Robert G.E.Ruhl, Mathew Allen, John Allen, Thomas Allen, Justen Lutz, Duncan Aumiller; 16 great-grandchilren; nephew David Jones.

He is preceded in death by wife Linda Ruhl, his parents, and his sister Gerri Jones.

If you’d like to make a contribution in memory of Gordon, please consider a donation to Hospice Brazos Valley, who gave Gordon such wonderful care and compassion during his final days.