1938-2026
Roland Ray Woodruff, 88, of Urbana, Ohio, passed away on October 26, 2026, in his home.
Ray was born on April 10, 1938, in Champaign County to Edgar Roland and Betty Kathryn Woodruff.
Ray's life was one built around family, hard work, agriculture, and a genuine love for the community he called home. Throughout his life, he wore many hats and took great pride in the businesses he built and the relationships he formed along the way. He worked at Paul Deere Farm, as a manager at Sherwin-Williams, and as a feed nutritionist for Ohio Grain Company. He also owned an apple orchard in Stoutsville, Ohio, and owned and operated Royal Enterprises LTD and Woodruff Dairy Sales in Urbana. For more than 35 years, Ray owned and operated Woodruff Feed + Fence alongside the love of his life, Patsy, who stood by his side for 69 years.
Ray's love for agriculture extended far beyond his work. He enjoyed announcing the livestock shows at the Champaign County Fair and took great pride in helping 4-H families with their projects. Some of his greatest joys came from watching his children and grandchildren exhibit and show livestock, as well as cheering them on at their sporting events. He loved watching the cattle graze in the pasture outside his living room window and was happiest when surrounded by his family. His beloved dog, “Lexus,” held a special place in his heart and went just about everywhere with him. Ray was also an avid Ohio State Buckeyes and Cincinnati Reds fan.
Ray was actively involved in his community and the agricultural industry. He served as a member of the West Liberty-Salem School Board and belonged to the Holstein, Jersey, and Guernsey National and State Associations, the Champaign County Cattlemen's Association, and the Ohio Cattlemen's Association.
Ray is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Patricia “Patsy” Jo Woodruff; his children, Pam (Ted) Orr, Mike (Cindy) Woodruff, Beth (Larin) Robison, Kate (Truman) Johnson, Susie Woodruff, and Emily (Mike) Bumgardner; grandchildren, Caleb (Branda) Orr, Josh (Crystal) Orr, Rick (Sherrie) Orr, Ashlyn Woodruff, Austin Woodruff, Ciara (Dan) Irick, Addie Johnson, Eliza Johnson, Gabe Johnson, Otto Johnson, Isaac Johnson, Stella Johnson, Solly Warye, Brooke (Adam) Walker, and Peyton Bumgardner; 15 great-grandchildren; his brother, Max (Yvonne) Woodruff; and nieces and nephews, Todd (Teri) Woodruff and Cari Lowry.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his grandson, Chad Orr.
Pallbearers will be Caleb Orr, Josh Orr, Gabe Johnson, Otto Johnson, Isaac Johnson, Austin Woodruff, Peyton Bumgardner, and Solly Warye.
A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4 P.M. – 7 P.M. on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at VERNON Funeral Home, Urbana, Ohio.
Funeral service will be held at 12 P.M. on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the funeral home, with Pastor David Brown officiating.
Burial will follow in Kingscreek Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Champaign County Cattlemen’s Association, Cathie Olejniczak, 2811 St. Rt. 245, Cable, OH 43009, or Champaign County Pork Council Women, Mindy Lensman, 8751 Snapp Rd. St. Paris, OH 43072.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.vernonfh.com.
