Steven Woodruff Obituary

Steven M. Woodruff

Steven M. Woodruff, M.D., 74, of Maineville, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, due to recent complications from a long-fought battle with cancer.

Steven was born March 19, 1950, in Findlay, to Willis and Marilyn (Beck) Woodruff.

After graduating with honors from Findlay High School, Class of 1968, he was recruited by Yale University to play quarterback and later wide receiver in football. Graduating in 1972, he earned a B.S. in Administrative Sciences (Pre-Med) and was the first in his family to attend and graduate from a university.

Following Steve's undergraduate studies, he attended the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, graduating in 1977. Upon completing his residencies at Good Samaritan Hospital and the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Steve specialized in Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery. He partnered to form Head & Neck Surgery Associates (now known as ENT & Allergy Specialists) where he practiced for 27 years until he retired in 2013.

Community and service played an important role in his life. He was a lifelong Boy Scout having earned his Eagle Scout as a teenager and then later in life donating his time to the Dan Beard Council in Cincinnati. He served many roles including as Council Commissioner and in 1999 was awarded the Council's Silver Beaver for his continued, unselfish and effective service to the community. Outside of scouts, Steve gave his time as a Volunteer Preceptor at St. Elizabeth Medical Center and University of Cincinnati Medical Center, a Volunteer Instructor at the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, and served on the Medical Staff's Executive Committee and Ethics Committee. Additionally, he was selected to Leadership Cincinnati's 23rd Class.

A true Renaissance man, retirement enabled Steve to spend his time pursuing his passions of landscape photography, beekeeping, birdwatching, enjoying the fruits of nature and restoration projects at the family 'farm', traveling with his family, constantly reading and learning about pretty much everything. He loved sharing his learnings and chats on life over a meal.

Steve is survived by his devoted wife, Cheryl Lynne (Burke) Woodruff, a Findlay High School classmate and lifelong friend. They serendipitously reconnected at their 45th class reunion and married July 29, 2016, in La Jolla, California, 60 years after meeting in Kindergarten. They enjoyed their adventurous years together. Highlights were photographing their travels throughout the U.S. and world, and visiting with family and friends.

He is remembered fondly by his former wife, Marcia Woodruff, with whom he raised their two sons, Michael (Sara) and Jonathan (Shannon). Steve took great joy in being a grandfather to Aasta, Sigg, Samantha and Emmett.

Steve is also survived by his youngest brother, Kevin Woodruff (partner, Jason Barrett); brother-in-law, R. Scott (Maly) Burke; sister-in-law, Colleen Woodruff; and by several loving nieces, nephews, and first cousins.

He was preceded in death by his middle brother, Keith Woodruff and his parents.

Steve offered his time and support to organizations dedicated to protecting our natural world. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial donations be made to The Nature Conservancy (https://preserve.nature.org/page/81523/1?) or any charitable organization of your choice in his memory.

If you wish, you may send condolences to the family at 894 Winding River Blvd., Maineville, Ohio, 45039.