Obituary of Timothy James Ruby

Timothy James Ruby, 77, passed away on January 11, 2026, at home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 19, 1948, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, to the late John and Dorothy (Licht) Ruby.

Tim attended Michigan State University (MSU), where he earned a degree in Mathematics. On July 14, 1979, he married Ruth Engelhardt, with whom he shared a devoted marriage. Tim retired from the State of Michigan after 30 years of service as a Civil Rights Investigator. He was also a two-time cancer survivor.

He enjoyed watching MSU sports, traveling, and cycling. He participated 12 years in DALMAC, an annual Labor Day weekend multi-day bicycle camping tour starting in Lansing and ending with a bicycle ride across the Mackinaw Bridge. In retirement, Tim owned and operated his own aerial photography business. He was also a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

Tim is survived by his wife, Ruth, of 46 years; his two daughters, Heather (Thomas) Ruby-Ewald of Saginaw and Dr. Katherine Ruby of Mt. Juliet, TN; and his cherished grandson, Zachariah Ewald of Saginaw. He is also survived by his brothers, Douglas Ruby of Washington DC, and Donald (Linda Spain) Ruby of St. Charles, IA; his sister, Debra Ruby of Saginaw; his brothers-in-law, Richard Douglass of East Tawas and Kenneth Engelhardt and Charles Engelhardt of Bay City; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Patricia Ruby-Douglass; and his sister-in-law, Mary Beth Moore.

VISITATION: Family and friends will gather at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State) on Thursday, January 15, 2026 from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: A Memorial Service will take place at 3:00 p.m. Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Road (off State), Saginaw, MI 48603. Pastors Emeritus Gary Bender and Charles Buckhahn will co-officiate.

MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the MSU Food Bank at 463 East Circle Dr, Room 151, East Lansing, MI 48824 or Covenant At Home Hospice. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.