Robert "Bob" Gene Ruwwe of Leasburg, Missouri was born on March 21, 1937 in St. Louis, Missouri to John and Frances (Arnold) Ruwwe and passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026 at the age of 88 years.
He attended some primary grades at Guese School and Holy Martyrs Catholic School where he graduated from eighth grade in 1952.
As a young man, he assisted local farmers, cut wood and discovered a passion for blacksmithing.
Before finding his calling in the mining industry, he worked with Ramco and Havin Materials. He worked at Meramec Mines followed by Pea Ridge Mine until his retirement in 1997.
He married Wilma Emily on March 24, 1956.
In retirement, Bob returned to his love of blacksmithing and Wilma made quilts. They formed the business Country Quilting & Early Smithing.
He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing. He especially loved black powder rifles and even built some for hunting use. Antiquing and gardening were also among his favorite pastimes. Bob's fondness for “Stag” beer was well-known.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Wilma; son, Jeff; grandson, M. David; great-grandson, Josh; parents, John and Frances Ruwwe; and brother, Norris Ruwwe.
He is survived by his daughters, Lisa Wegescheide and husband Joe of Leasburg, Missouri and Tresa Copsey and husband Reese of Rich Hill, Missouri; grandchildren, Connie Smith and husband Craig of Union, Missouri, Bonnie Land and significant other Phillip Piscotta of Augusta, Missouri, Becky Stricklin and husband Steve of Havre de Grace, Maryland, Dan Wegescheide and wife Amber of Union, Missouri, Steve Copsey of Nevada, Missouri, Kyle Copsey and wife Devon of Lamar, Missouri and Karen Kithcart and husband Richard of Rich Hill, Missouri; 18 great-grandchildren, Sierra, Cydni, Dawson, Josh, Autumn, Logan, Kyler, Madelyn, Camden, Carson, Jade, Jackson, Halie, Evan, David, Ethan, Eric and Zack; three great-great grandchildren, Elena, Bella and Emilee; three sisters, Shirley Holbrook of Corpus Christi, Texas, Sandra Koppelman and husband Richard of Gerald, Missouri and Sharon Roller of Arizona; other relatives and friends.
Visitation was held from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026 at the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, Missouri.
Funeral Mass was held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026 at Holy Martyrs Catholic Church in Japan, Missouri with Father Noah Waldman celebrating.
Burial at St. Stephens Catholic Cemetery in Richwoods, Missouri.
Arrangements under the direction of the Eaton Funeral Home of Sullivan, Missouri.
