Randy Ruby

Charles Randolph "Randy" Ruby, aka Mr. Wolfe, of Rocky Ridge, MD, died at home surrounded by his loving family, on November 17, 2018, following a brief illness with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.  He was born on May 14, 1954 in Frederick to the late Harry “Ruben” and Louise (Johnson) Ruby.  He received his auctioneer’s license from the Missouri Auctioneer School in Kansas, in 1970 and later graduated from Damascus High School in 1972.  He married Caythee Rhea Jones on January 5, 1974, and they’ve walked hand in hand ever since.

Randy was first and foremost a family man, enjoying his children and grandchildren more than anything in this world.  Children gravitated toward him, loving his playfulness and presence.  His passion was spending time with his family.  He had a contagious laugh and liked entertaining friends and family with his humor.  His quick-wit and charm and mischievous schemes made friends, friends for life.  Randy will mostly be remembered for his engaging smile, his laugh and his cheery outlook on life.  He lit up a room and his confidence and charisma were second to none.

Randy’s love of farming was instilled at a young age.  He pursued dairy farming and later continued hobby farming.  His work ethic, family values and love of adventure will ensure that the legend of Randy Ruby lives on in the hearts of his family and friends.

In 1970, he began his auctioneering career with Trout’s Auctioneers.  In 1985 he purchased Wolfe Industrial Auctions and became the president and sole owner, where he worked up until his illness.  He ran his business as he did his life, with integrity and honesty, treating every customer with fairness.

Randy belonged to numerous organizations, including the Frederick Farm Bureau, National Auction Association, MD Association of Appraisers, Thurmont/Emmitsburg Grange, Thurmont Community FFA Alumni, Rocky Ridge 4-H Club, and Friends of Frederick County 4-H Program.  He received a Maryland State FFA Greenhand Award, was past member of the Maryland-Virginia Milk Association and Upper Seneca Baptist Church. He was known for his generous donations and commitments to our farming youth.

Randy will be deeply missed by Caythee, the love of his life for 44 years.  He was preceded in death by his daughter, Rebecka Ridenour.  He leaves behind three children, Charles Ruby, Jr., of Frederick, Christy Donnelly and husband Eric, and Josh Ruby and girlfriend Kelly all of Rocky Ridge; 13 grandchildren, Samantha Smith (Sean), Ashley Zimmerman (Derrick), Austin Ridenour, Nicholas, CJ, Blake and Raina Ruby, Madison, Emma and Charlotte Donnelly, Jameson, Jonas, and Sophia Ruby, baby Zimmerman, and his extended grandchildren Owen, Maddie, Faith and Seth; siblings Robin Hertel (Dave), Jay Ruby (Karen) all of Rocky Ridge, Bonnie Glotfelty (Gary) of Monrovia, and Barbara Buisch (Allan) of Mount Airy; sister-in-law, Cyndi Rice (Dave) of FL, Candy Bowers (Steve) of Woodsboro, & Catricia Lankford of Cascade, Jeannie Hurt (Mike) of WI; father-in-law Norman Sampson; extended family, Tracey Coomey of NC; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins; and many, many friends.  He cherished his special friendship with Bob Shoemaker, Dave Schaeffer, the Marshall family and his side-kick, Irv Miller.  In addition to his daughter Rebecka, Randy was preceded in death by his parents Ruben & Louise Ruby, and his mother in law Patricia Sampson.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, November 21, 2018 at Thurmont United Methodist Church, 13880 Long Rd., Thurmont, MD with the Rev. Timothy Fisher officiating.  Burial will follow at Blue Ridge Cemetery.  The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-9 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20th at the church.  Arrangements have been entrusted to MYERS-DURBORAW FUNERAL HOME in Emmitsburg.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Randy’s name may be made to The Thurmont-Emmitsburg Community Show Improvement Fund, c/o Rodman Myers, 15727 Smith Rd., Thurmont, MD 21788 or to the Rocky Ridge 4H Club Memorial Fund, c/o Brenda Seiss, 215 Eyler Rd., Thurmont, MD 21788.