Alvin James Ruthruff, 85, of Hopkins, died Sunday, Dec. 24.

Mr. Ruthruff was born Feb. 14, 1932,in Battle Creek, the son of the late Ernest C. and Mildred (French) Ruthruff. Alvin married Olive, and together shared a life full of cherished memories.

Alvin is survived by his wife of 65 years, Olive; his eight surviving children, Philip Ruthruff, Leonard Ruthruff, Patricia (Henry) Peak, Robert (Stephanie) Ruthruff, Terry (Cora) Ruthruff, Carol (Dean) Spaulding, Christine Campbell and JoAnn Ruthruff; 21 grandchildren; 47 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild; and 5 siblings, Alan (Fayetta) Ruthruff, Barbara Rench, Russell Ruthruff, Janet Sackett and Harlan Ruthruff.

Besides his parents and his son, Mark, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Duane, Leonard, Ernest and Gerald and his sisters, Donna Mae and Marjorie.

Friends may meet with the family Thursday, Dec. 28, from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 28, and again from 10 to 11 a.m.  Friday, Dec. 29 at the Gorden Funeral Residence, Hopkins Chapel, where the funeral service will begin at 11 a.m, Pastors Leonard Schildroth and Chris Cronk officiating. Interment willnbe at Maplewood Cemetery, Hopkins Township.