Fred Ruge

Frederick (Fred) Max Ruge passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, August 12, 2026. Fred was born August 27, 1958, in New Haven, Connecticut, to Max Friedrich (Fred) and Anita Selma Abrahamsen Ruge. He was the middle child with two older sisters, Sue and Gail, and two younger sisters, Judy and Diane. Fred was raised in Madison, Connecticut, where he learned from an early age the value of hard work. He was a Boy Scout and ran cross country during his school years. After graduating from Daniel Hand High School, Fred headed west to attend Ricks College. While there he met the love of his life, Jackie Cole. Jackie waited while he faithfully served a two-year mission in the Spain Seville Mission, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon his return, Fred and Jackie were married on August 19, 1982, in the Seattle Washington Temple. Fred and Jackie welcomed their first daughter, Michelle in 1983. After living in Connecticut for a short time, they moved to Warden, Washington, where Fred began working on the Cole Dairy Farm. He worked there a few years until he began working on the Roylance Dairy Farm where he continued working for 37 years. As the years went by five more children joined the Ruge Family: Cassie (1985), Stacey (1987), Kelly (1990), Conrad (1994), NiCole (1998). Fred loved his family deeply and worked tirelessly to provide for them. He was known for always having a project underway and for working until the sun went down. He had a special talent for finding the hidden treasures in life. He loved garage sales, discovering a good deal, and finding creative ways to repurpose and give new life to things others might have overlooked. He also loved bragging about his grandchildren and displaying his Christmas village collection. In October 2024 Fred was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He showed strength and resilience as he endured many treatments and procedures. Fred was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer and began to experience many medical complications. Throughout his life, Fred had a strong testimony of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many church callings. His faith was an important part of who he was and how he lived his life. Fred will be remembered by his family and friends for his storytelling, quick sense of humor, and creativity. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, faith, family, and the wonderful ability to find joy in the simple things. Fred was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Anita Ruge; his parents-in-law, Stanley and Lola Cole; his sister, Judith Carpenter; his brothers-in-law, Scott Cole, Ryan Black; his sister-in-law Debra Cole; his nephews, Garrett and William Cole; his niece, Nicole Shippen; and his granddaughter, Hieron Kline. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jackie Cole Ruge; his sisters and brother-in-law: Sue (Ed) Weeks, Gail (Steve) Domin, Elliott Carpenter, and Diane (Jack) Hennessy; and his brothers-and sisters-in-law: Deby Kappel, Lorin Blaine (Leslie) Cole, Sherry (Kent) Flack, Kathryn (Lyle) Shippen, LuAnne (Terry) McPartland, Kenneth (Mary) Cole, Roshelle Black, Curtis (Lucienne) Cole, and Jason (Lori) Cole. He is also survived by his children: Michelle Cash, Cassie Jones (Josh), Stacey Messenger (Mark), Kelly Holcomb (Jared), Conrad Ruge (Mercedes), and NiCole Ruge; and his grandchildren: McKenzie, Kaden, Kyler, Brayden, Camree, Ellie, Karter, Madison, Koleman, Max, Sydney, Jackson, Ty, Marlow, Coen, and Tucker, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Fred's family is grateful for the memories they were blessed to share with him. He will be deeply missed. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 29, 2026, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1017 South County Road, Warden, WA 9885.

Fred Ruge

August 27, 1958 - August 12, 2026