George Wayne Rugh

GEORGE WAYNE RUGH

Obituary

George “Wayne” Rugh, 90, passed away on April 10, 2025 at the Patriot Place Memory Floor at Togus VA Medical Center.  Wayne was born on November 8, 1934 in Export, Pennsylvania.  He was the son of George Leroy Rugh and Mildred (Glunt) Rugh.  As a young man he was affectionately known as “Son”. He graduated from Franklin Township High School in Murrysville, Pennsylvania in 1953.  In 1954, he enlisted in the U. S. Army and served in the 101st Airborne Division and was stationed in Fort Wainwright, Alaska as a paratrooper.  He concluded his military time in Fort Jackson, South Carolina as a military police officer.  In 1958, he attended the Pittsburgh Technical Institute and received a certificate in Industrial Management Engineering.  Over the years, Wayne was a police officer, oil burner repairman, car salesman and telephone company contractor.

The MAINE Chapter of his life began in 1967.  He was employed by North Electric Company in Galion, Ohio.  Wayne was sent to North Anson, Maine to install the toll switching system at the Somerset Telephone Office.  He met and later married his wife, Jonnie Rugh, on November 18, 1968.  They spent the beginning years of their marriage moving 12 times in 2 years while he worked throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee.  In 1970, they returned to North Anson where he started his 30-year career at the Somerset Telephone Company working in the Toll Room as a central office technician.

In 1978, Wayne and Jonnie purchased The Corner Store on Main Street in North Anson.  Wayne continued working for the phone company full time and worked nights at the Store.  He would proudly tell everyone their store sold “The Coldest Damn Beer” in town!

Wayne retired from TDS in 1999 and the following year he established the Rugh Lawn Care business.  During the 18 years of owning his business, he worked alongside his grandsons, who got to work their first jobs under the guidance of their “Pap”.  The memories made and lessons learned during this period are truly cherished. 

Wayne was very involved in his community.  He was a member of the North Anson Fire Department for 25 years and served as secretary/treasurer.  He was an active member of various fraternal organizations, including the Masons for 50 years where he served as Worshipful Master three times; Shriners, Odd Fellows, VFW and American Legion. He served on SAD #74 School Board for nine years and led one term as Chairman of the Board.   He also taught Hunter Safety Courses locally.

Although Wayne lived in Maine a piece of his heart was also in Pennsylvania.  He looked forward to Sunday morning calls from his eldest son and family visits to Maine.  The Moose Hunting Trips and fishing for the big one were fond memories for everyone.

His biggest joy was being a “Pap-Pap” to his grandchildren.  “Pap” made each grandchild feel like they had their own special place in his heart.

Wayne was very active in his many hobbies including bowling, golfing, fishing, and hunting. He shared his passion for fishing and hunting with his eldest son.  It became a family tradition to boil sap while watching March Madness out in Pap’s Sugar Shack.  He loved NASCAR and went to the races in New Hampshire where many memories were made while camping with family and friends.  He also attended the Daytona 500 a few times.  He was a big sports guy!  The Steelers, Pirates and Celtics were his teams.  Although, his favorite sports team was the Carrabec Cobras and he watched many generations of his children, grandchildren and nieces play and coach over the years.   He loved fishing trips at Spring Lake with his friends.

Wayne was known for being a wheeler and a dealer.  His bible was the weekly Uncle Henry’s which was ALWAYS by his chair with mark ups and highlights of possible must have deals.  He taught his children the art of a deal and passed on this skill to his grandchildren.  Pap had a hand in helping each grandchild with the purchase of their first cars or dirt bikes.

Wayne was a guy who always had a smile, made people laugh and one never knew what he was going to say!  While Wayne may not have been able to recall his loved one’s names at the end of his long goodbye journey, he made them feel loved during each visit.

He was predeceased by his parents and his younger siblings, Charles Robert (Bob), Mildred Louise (Sis) Bowler, James Edward “Jim” and Betty Jean Rugh.

He was survived by his wife of 57 years, Jonnie of North Anson; four children; Randy Rugh and wife Diane of Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania; Majorie Sawyna of Atlanta, Georgia; Pamela Mitchell and husband Michael of North Anson and Skip Rugh and wife Tammy of North Anson.  Six grandchildren; Randall Rugh and his wife, Julie of Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania; Daniel Rugh of Lost Creek, West Virginia; Tracy Goodwin and her husband Brendan of Sanford; Patrick Daubenberger and his partner Tristi Gould of Embden; Jerzee Rugh and her fiancé Kaleb Brown of Athens and Cole Rugh and his partner, Chloe Fournier of Gardiner.  Four great-grandchildren, Ellie & Mae Rugh and Brielle & McKenna Goodwin.  Sister-in-law Nancy Welch who assisted in caring for Wayne.   He had many nieces and a nephew that he thought the world of.   He also leaves behind special friends Carlene Rickards, Doug & Donna Cahill, Jerry & Diane Turner and Rich Albright.  He was predeceased by a very dear friend, Ray Rickards.

Special thank you to the staff at Patriot Place Memory Floor who cared for Wayne over the past 15 months.  Wayne’s family would especially like to thank Edie Emerson, PA and Kathy Houdlette, RN - for their love and care given to Wayne and support to his family during his time at Patriot Place. 

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Ronald McDonald House in memory of Wayne Rugh honoring Jacob Kristopher Hughes. Ronald McDonald House – 654 State Street – Bangor, Maine 04401 rmhcmaine.org.

A private burial and gathering of friends and family will be held at a later date.

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