Richard "Bud" E. Ruger, 93, of Collinsville, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 9, 2026 at Alhambra Rehab and Healthcare.

He was born on October 9, 1932, in Stanford Township, Illinois, to the late Roy and Georgianna (née Blankenship) Ruger. Bud married the love of his life, Johnalee Edwards, on January 22, 1954, in Flora, Illinois, and she survives.

Bud retired from Granite City Steel after 47 years of dedicated service. He also served as a Union Steward for several decades. A job he approached with great veracity while defending the rights of his coworkers.

He proudly and honorably served his country in the United States Navy. Following retirement, Bud enjoyed traveling to visit his former shipmates from the USS Tripoli, cherishing the camaraderie and lifelong friendships formed during his service.

He found great joy on the golf course, especially when playing alongside his grandsons, Matthew and Patrick. Bud dearly loved his dogs and treasured every moment spent with his family, who were the center of his life.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Michael Ruger; his daughter, Mitzi Bax; and his granddaughter, Danielle.

He is survived by his loving wife, Johnalee Ruger; three children: Danny (Debbie) Ruger, David Ruger, and Cindy (Randy Jackson) Ruger-Storey; twelve grandchildren: Patrick, Christopher B., Joshua, Matthew, Ryan, Justin, Jordan, Alanah, John, Michelle, Joey, and Christopher G.; twenty-two great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and his sister, Sara Tooley.

Bud will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his strong work ethic, his love of service, and the quiet pride he took in a life well lived.

Visitation will be 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, February 13, 2026 at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL.

Funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. officiated by Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer. Burial with military honors will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery, Glen Carbon, IL.

Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project and will be received at the visitation or can be mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 N. Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.