Vernon Ruder, Sr., 92, Hays, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 6, 2026, at the Hays Good Samaritan Society.
He was born on June 15, 1933, on the family farm near Antonino, to Frank and Anna (Zimmerman) Ruder. In 1951, he graduated from Hays High School. He grew up learning the value of hard work, a trait that defined his entire life and one he passed on to his children and grandchildren.
Vernon proudly served his country as a member of the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. After returning home, he worked for more than 20 years in maintenance at Hadley Hospital, where he was known for his reliability, skill, and willingness to fix anything that needed fixing. He also spent over 20 years custom harvesting, putting in long days and late nights during the season, doing the kind of honest work he truly enjoyed.
Outside of work, he loved tinkering in the garage, building and repairing things with his hands, and spending time on the golf course, often playing at least nine holes a day after his retirement. He rarely sat still for long and was always working on a project or helping someone else with theirs. He was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, The Marine Corps League, Hays VFW Post #9076, and the Hays American Legion Post #173.
More than anything, he loved his family. He was always there for holidays, birthdays, weddings, ball games, and everyday moments. He raised strong children and leaves behind a legacy of dedication, humility, and quiet strength.
Survivors include his children; Vernon Ruder Jr. (Ruth) of Hays, Janice Younger (Terrance) of Frisco, TX, Rose Meyers (Robert) of Sherman, TX, and Tina Ruder of Hays, a brother; Harold Ruder of Grand Junction, CO, a sister; Norma Lee Brown of Dodge City, nine grandchildren; Adam Meyers (Jennifer), Nicole Taylor (Alex), Cassandra St. Germain (Matthew), Mason Ruder (Tori), Alyssa Blake (Bennet), Blake Ruder (Rachel), Emily Younger, Olivia Younger, and Erin Ruder, 11 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, five brothers; Elmer J., Lester, Cyril, Milton, and Marvin Ruder and two sisters; Marietta Stecklein and Agnes Miller.
A life well lived, and a family well loved. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Fr. Job Varghese, OFM Cap. officiating. Burial with military honors by the Hays VFW Post #9076 Honor Guard will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 on Monday and from 9:00 am until 9:45 on Tuesday, all at Hays Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. A vigil service will be at 6:30 pm followed by a rosary on Monday at the funeral home. Memorials are suggested to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Condolences and memories of Vernon may be shared with his family at www.haysmemorial.com