James A. Ruen CONTINENTAL – James A. Ruen, 92, of Continental, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at 5:57 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at The Meadows of Kalida. He was born June 12, 1932, to the late Anthony and Mary (Breece) Ruen. On August 21, 1954, he married Doris Ann Fenbert, who survives in Continental. He is also survived by two daughters: Darlene (Terry) Griffith and Marlene Gvetvai, both of Continental, and a bonus son, Joseph (Vicki) Kirk of Continental; five grandchildren: Latimer (Christina) Gyetvai; Erin (Derrick) Noffsinger, Krystal (Nathan) Bowers, Jacob (Jodi) Griffith and Brandon (Rachelle) Gyetvai; eighteen great-grandchildren: Cole, Annika, Delaney, Rhettik and Keenan Bowers, Avery, Aislynn, Briggs and Braelynn Noffsinger, Jackson, Jayla, Jarret and Joseph Griffith, Lucas and Gavin Gyetvai, and Aiden, Opal and Juniper Gyetvai. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Clarence "PeeWee" Ruen and Norbert Ruen; a sister, Constance Schreiber; two sisters-in-law: June Ruen and Norma Ruen; brother-in-law, Duane "Skeet" Schreiber; and a son-in-law, Joseph Gyetvai. Jim was in the National Guard for four years and a member of the Continental Volunteer Fire Department. He drove truck, worked for ODOT, was a county commissioner and was mayor of Continental for twenty years. Jim was also a businessman; he owned and operated heavy equipment and was co-owner of R & E Trailer Court. He also enjoyed cooking for family, friends and special events. Jim was devoted to his community and the people in it. He was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Continental and the American Legion Post 541. Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Continental with Fr. Phil Smith officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday prior to the Mass at the church.  Arrangements are under the direction of HEITMEYER FUNERAL HOME, Continental. Memorial donations may be made to the Continental Fire Department. Condolences may be expressed at www.heitmeyerfuneralhome.com

Continental Fire Department
Continental OH