Michael Eric Ruch, 59, passed away at his home in Stillwater, Oklahoma, on June 8, 2026, the anniversary of the day he married the love of his life, Theresa. After 36 years together, it seems fitting that even time itself could not keep their story apart for long.

Mike was born on November 7, 1966, in Henryetta, Oklahoma. Life challenged him early, but he met those challenges with grit, determination, and an unwavering work ethic. Those experiences shaped a man known for his generosity, resilience, and willingness to help others.

For more than 30 years, Mike worked as a technician at John Deere, where he took tremendous pride in his work and became a respected subject matter expert. He loved solving problems, fixing things, passing down his knowledge to others, and doing a job "right."

Of all the roles he held in life, the one he cherished most was being a husband, father, and grandfather. For 36 years, he shared life with Theresa. Together they built a family and created memories that will continue to live on in the stories told by those who loved them.

Mike is survived by his daughter, Tara Burnett and husband Jake, of Norman, Oklahoma; his son, Aaron Ruch and wife Cara, of Collinsville, Oklahoma; and his five grandsons, Hunter, Hudson, Hayes, Lane, and Wyatt. He was preceded in death by his wife, Theresa Ruch, and his parents, Jack and Alice Pauline Ruch.

To know Mike was to know his quick wit, dry humor, and generous spirit. He could fix nearly anything, was always willing to lend a hand, and answered the phone with his trademark greeting: "Yuh-low."

A devoted fan of Rush and Neil Peart, Mike loved drumming and was especially proud of the Neil Peart drum set he worked hard to buy and loved to play. He also enjoyed fishing with his grandsons, smoking his famous Blue & Gold sausage recipe, and tending a salsa garden filled with peppers far hotter than any reasonable person should eat. Every Thanksgiving, family members braced themselves for Mike's latest "world's hottest pepper," knowing the suffering that followed would eventually be soothed by Theresa's famous banana pudding, plenty of laughter, and often a few tears of pain and regret.

Mike also found great joy at Thunder Valley Raceway, where he spent countless hours motorcycle drag racing with his team, Ruch Racing. The racing community became an extension of his family, and some of his happiest memories were made at the track surrounded by the people he loved.

Perhaps nothing speaks more clearly to the father Mike was than the choice both of his children made as adults. When Tara and Aaron were just 5 and 3 years old, Mike stepped into their lives and raised them as his own. Years later, both legally changed their last names to Ruch as a tribute to the man who had loved, guided, and sacrificed for them. As the last surviving Ruch in his family line, Mike worried the family name might end with him. Instead, the family he built will carry the Ruch name and legacy forward for generations.

Mike will be remembered for his humor, kindness, loyalty, and the way he showed up for the people he loved. His absence leaves a tremendous void, but the stories, lessons, laughter, and love he shared will remain with those fortunate enough to have known him.

Please tell Mom we said "yuh-low."

A celebration of Mike's life will be held at a later date. The family appreciates your patience and understanding as they navigate the loss of both parents, Mike and Theresa, within five months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Mike's grandson, Hayes Ruch, and his courageous fight against cancer to the Eddie Sutton Foundation. (www.theeddiesuttonfoundation.com)