Dick Ruth, 65

Richard (“Dick”) Joseph Ruth, age 65, of Three Rivers, passed away Saturday, October 15, 2022 in Three Rivers, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born July 17, 1957 in Buffalo, N.Y., the son of William John and Catherine Mary (Pinkel) Ruth. Dick grew up in Tonawanda, New York and graduated from Cardinal O’Hara High School. Dick next attended and graduated from Fredonia State University, where he was a member of the basketball team. Upon graduation in 1980, he began his professional career with Ralston Purina in Dunkirk, New York.

In Dunkirk, he met the love of his life, Barbara, to whom he was married for 39 years and where they started their life adventures. Together they raised 3 active boys who kept them occupied by spending time in hockey rinks, lacrosse and rugby fields, as well as camping and boating across the country. Once the boys grew older, they married, and gave “Grammy” and “Pops” 3 grandchildren (with 3 more on the way). Together, the original “5” turned into “11” and they continued to fully enjoy life and the time they spent together.

In 1987, Dick accepted a position with the Frito Lay Division of PepsiCo and began a 31-year career that took him and his family to over 12 locations across the country. In August of 2018, Dick retired as Vice President, Human Resources and Chief Human Resource Officer for the Quaker/Tropicana/Gatorade business unit within Pepsi. His reputation across PepsiCo was built on his high level of integrity, passion, humor and empathy. Dick had a keen sense when it came to guiding and mentoring executives on business matters and personal development.

Dick was a very caring man who enjoyed being around his family and friends. He particularly enjoyed watching his grandchildren, tinkering/putzing with projects, playing cards, water activities in Marco Island, Florida, watching the Buffalo Bills, relaxing in his man cave, and hoarding bourbon. While Dick was known as a handyman who could fix things, he struggled with ordinary life tasks like turning on a microwave oven, cooking anything, or wearing casual clothes that were no less than 20 years out of date.

Remaining to cherish his memory are his wife, Barbara (McCall) Ruth; children, Peter and Robin (Williams) Ruth of Round Lake Beach, IL – with twins on the way; Theodore and Julie (Scheidler) Ruth of Elmhurst, IL – with two children (Mackenzie & Little Teddy) and one child on the way, and Corey and Sarah (Gruss) Ruth of Northbrook, IL – with one child (Jameson); brother Eugene (Martha) Ruth of Austin, TX; sister Margaret V. (Richard) Pepe of Bonita Spring, FL; several nieces and nephews, and very dear, lifelong friends Robert and Suzanne Dunn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Catherine Ruth, and brother, William J. (Billy) Ruth, Jr.

The family will host A Celebration of Life in Elmhurst, Illinois on November 5, 2022 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the home of Theodore and Julie Ruth (casual attire). The address for this gathering is:

205 N. Oak Street
Elmhurst, Illinois 60126

A separate Celebration is being planned for Marco Island, Florida after the first of the year.

Arrangements by Hohner Funeral Home.