1939-2025
Gary Wayne Woodruff, 86, of Lakeview, passed away peacefully in his home on Friday, December 26, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Gary was born in Findlay, Ohio, on June 30, 1939, to the late Ordez Powell and Zola Irene (Kiger) Woodruff. In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his sisters, Roberta Lee (Woodruff) Lazenby and Karen Sue (Woodruff) Weeks.
On August 18, 1961, he married the love of his life and best friend, Linda Kay (Zellers) Woodruff, who survives. He is also survived by his daughters, Julie (Dan) Alspaugh and Jodie Miller; grandchildren, Adam Alspaugh, Andrea (Chris) Watts, Makenzie (Jon) Reminder, Lexi Alspaugh, and Isaac (Keely) Miller; great-grandchildren, Jonas Alspaugh, Theo Reminder, Asher Felice, Thessaly Reminder, Oliver Alspaugh, Brooklyn Watts, and Savannah Reminder; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Gary was a 1957 graduate of Findlay High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy before graduation and served on active duty from 1957 until 1960, followed by three years in the Navy Reserves. During his time in the Navy, he was deployed on the USS Yorktown. Ports of call included Japan, Hawaii, California, Florida, and many other locations. After his military service, Gary worked for and retired from Northern Ohio Explosives as a blaster for various quarries, completing forty years of service.
Gary, known to those closest to him as “Gare Bear,” was an incredible man. To know Gary was to love Gary. He won the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him—even babies loved him, and he always got the best smiles. He had the sweetest demeanor, yet he was as ornery and rotten as they come. It wasn’t uncommon for Gary to make a joke followed by a tiny chuckle you could only hear if you were standing next to him.
He loved sitting in his garage and tinkering—he could fix anything. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing cards with friends and family, snowmobiling, bowling, and boating. His favorite thing to do was watching television, especially Nascar, Jeopardy, crime shows, and war movies. He loved cars and going to the shooting range with his family. Above all else, Gary’s family was his everything. He loved each one of them fiercely and would do anything for them whenever they needed him. He loved all dogs, but his dog Gracie, who survives him, was the light of his life. Gary will be missed by all who knew and loved him!
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Quest Community Church, 110 South Street, West Liberty, Ohio 43357, followed by a celebration of life at 12:00 p.m. The service will be led by Chaplain Mike Porter. The family is deeply grateful for the love, support, and cherished memories shared during this time.
