Born Feb. 1, 1932,
George (Little Joe) Ruddell, loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and coach, gently passed away Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at the age of 82, surrounded by the love of his family and friends at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center.
George was known for his wonderful sense of humor, love of his wife and sons and the passion he had for baseball and his chiropractic profession. He was successful in every way there is. George was many things to many people and he will be sorely missed.
He was born to Harold and Regina in Lewiston and was raised in a loving home with two sisters, Patty and Mary. George was the middle child, who grew up loving sports and lettering in football, basketball, baseball and track while attending Lewiston High School. Baseball was his sport of choice, where he was a member of the 500 Club, became most valuable player his junior year, captain his senior year and pitched three no-hitters and was the starting pitcher for four Idaho State Championships. And even with all the academics and sports, he still managed to meet the love of his life one day at school, walking behind her up a flight stairs (insert grin here). Donna Marie Skinner was the foundation to his life and most would argue to the entire family. Married in 1954 for 56 years, George and Donna raised four boys, Steve, Greg, Brian and Kevin, who all in their own right were the very extension that both George and Donna demonstrated throughout their lives together.
After graduating from LHS in 1949, George had an impressive baseball career playing for American Legion, North Idaho College of Education, Lewiston Indians (semi-pro), professional Lewiston Broncs and Davenport and the Iowa Cubs (semi-pro). George pitched against the likes of All-Star Satchel Paige, All-Star Bob Feller, St. Louis Cardinal Larry Jackson, Boston Red Sox player Gene Conley and Yankee Andy Carey. His combined pitching record overall was 62-4. During his time at North Idaho College of Education, majoring in teaching and physical education, George had a pitching record of 10-0.
Teaching was a family tradition, with both his sisters being teachers, but George soon found another passion: chiropractic. This new direction was born from his own experience with chiropractic when he received care during his recovery from an injury he sustained during football. George soon found himself on the road to becoming a chiropractor, earning his degree in 1955 from Palmer College of Chiropractic. He opened Ruddell Chiropractic in 1956 and quickly became one of the most renowned chiropractors in the valley, and some would argue, the state. He held memberships through Idaho Chiropractic Association, position of president, and was a member of both the International Chiropractic Association and the American Chiropractic Association. George maintained his practice for 37 years and after handing the practice over to two of his sons, moved on to bigger and better things - golfing, boating, fishing and travel.
George was an avid golfer and was a member of the Lewiston Country Club for 50 years and a Senior Club Champion, achieving not one, not five, but eight holes in one. During days not on the course, you could find him on the water, boating, waterskiing or fishing. He was also one of the most beloved coaches for junior and Babe Ruth baseball for nearly 10 years. Even today, his coaching and mentoring skills are still talked about with admiration and appreciation. And finally, when all that wasn’t enough, he would whisk Donna away on trips to Hawaii, California and Arizona, mainly in search of the great golf course.
George was affiliated with many organizations, such as past secretary for the Lions Club, Moose Lodge, life member of the Elks, member of the Knights of Columbus, Toastmasters, Lady of Lourdes Church, co-president with Donna of Lady of Lourdes Parent Teacher Association and member of the Parish Council.
George was blessed with a large extended family, with daughters-in-law Denise, Melody and Carolyn; grandchildren Jake, Mick, Kevin, Jenny, Christian, Cameron, Lance, Blake, Nicholas and Brandon; and great-grandchildren Joslynn, Rilynn, Mia, Alexie, Emmalee, Camden and Spencer Michael. His life was full of family, laughter, friendships and love.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Donna; and his parents, Harold and Regina.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests donations are made to the Lewis-Clark Twins Cubs American Legion Baseball. The vigil service will be at 7 p.m. Monday at All Saints St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the church, with burial to follow at Normal Hill Cemetery.
[S5] Find A Grave, → Memorial ID 132489173.
1932 - 2014 (82 years)
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