William Ruse Obituary

William E. "Bill" Ruse

William E. "Bill" Ruse, 87, died on early Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 30, 2022, at Bridge Hospice Care Center.

Bill was born Dec. 3, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Mary and Ollie Ruse.

He is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Rebecca, and her husband, Steve; son, Robert, and his wife, Bretta; and three grandchildren, Olivia, and her husband, Tim, and Abigail and Sophia.

He was preceded in death by his twin brother, John; parents, Mary and Ollie; and son, William.

Bill had a distinguished career in healthcare administration, teaching and writing, and was active throughout the community in various organizations and committees.

In 1957, Bill started his career as a staff pharmacist and subsequently chief pharmacist at Lima Memorial Hospital in Lima, Ohio. In 1960, he joined the staff of Blanchard Valley Hospital in Findlay, where he served as Chief Pharmacist, Director of Personnel and Purchasing, Assistant Administrator, and subsequently, chief executive in 1964. Bill served as President and CEO of Blanchard Valley Health Association, a parent corporation of Blanchard Valley Hospital formed in 1984.

Bill was President Emeritus of Blanchard Valley Health Association, headquartered in Findlay. Bill retired from Blanchard Valley in 2001 after serving as its President and CEO for 36 years.

During Bill's tenure with Blanchard Valley Hospital and Blanchard Valley Health Association, Bill and his team, Board and Medical Staff went from a single hospital to the system of two acute care hospitals (Findlay and Bluffton), Nursing Home, Home Health services, Hospice services plus an in-patient Hospice unit, Indigent Care Clinic, and Occupational Medicine Division. It is one of Ohio's largest regional healthcare systems.

Following his retirement, he served as member of Adjunct Faculty in College of Business and College of Pharmacy at The University of Findlay. He was a founding owner and Board Member of Buckeye State Bank, founding member of Creative Solutions Enterprises - Maximizing asset utilization for small and mid-sized colleges and universities and small business; and as the founder, President and CEO of Ultra Seniors, LLC. which keeps those who have outlived the average longevity in the United States, active and engaged.

A Rotarian since 1983 and past member of Findlay Rotary Club, Bill had served as the club's President and chaired the Past President's Committee. Following two terms as Assistant Governor of Rotary International, Bill served his three terms as Chairperson of Assistant Governors Committee and on July 1, 2004, became Governor for Rotary's District 6600 (67 clubs) for the 2003/2004 Rotary year. And, in 2022, he started Ultra Seniors Online Rotary Club.

He was committed to the community and giving back. He was a long-time member of St. Michael Parish, past member of Commercial Savings Bank, Upper Sandusky, University of Findlay Trustee Emeritus; past member of Executive and Business Affairs Committee and Chair Compensation Committee, College of Business Healthcare Management Advisory Board, and College of Pharmacy Advisory Board; Findlay-Hancock County Chamber of Commerce, Past Chair; Findlay-Hancock County Community Development Foundation, Past Chair; Findlay-Hancock County Foundation, Past Chair; Findlay Development LLC; Buckeye State Bank - 2014 to present, Member, Executive Committee; Past Member, Ohio Hospital Association; Hancock County Agency on Aging; Hancock Historical Museum, Chair; and Ultra Seniors, Founder, President, and CEO.

Bill was a recipient of numerous awards and recognitions throughout his distinguished career as well as a seasoned author of countless articles and professional journals and 10 books. One of his books was even co-authored with his three granddaughters.

Bill was a 1953 graduate of Collinwood High School, Cleveland, 1957 graduate of Ohio Northern University, Ada, BSc. in Pharmacy, 1963 graduate of Xavier University, Cincinnati, MBA in Hospital Administration, 1972 graduate of University of Toledo, Doctor of Jurisprudence, 1997 graduate of University of Findlay, Honorary Doctor of Health Care Management, and 2003 graduate of Ohio Northern University, Honorary Doctor of Public Service. He was a licensed attorney since 1972 and licensed pharmacist from 1957-2000.

Mass of Christian burial will be 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 750 Bright Road, Findlay. Monsignor Michael Hohenbrink will be celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Michael Cemetery, Findlay.

Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 2, 2022, at the church.

Arrangements are being handled by COLDREN-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, Findlay.

Memorial contributions may be given to Blanchard Valley Hospital Foundation, Rotary International Foundation, Ohio Northern University Foundation, Xavier University Foundation, University of Toledo Foundation, University of Findlay Foundation, or Bridge Home Health and Hospice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.coldrencrates.com.