Some men measure their lives in years. Carl Ruhl measured his in work well done. If you ever walked the halls of Clear Fork, sat in the bleachers on a Friday night, or watched a freshly painted football field gleam under the lights, you likely saw the work — and the heart — of Carl Ruhl. A fixture in his community for decades, Carl passed away February 21, 2026, at Danbury Assisted Living in Mount Vernon, leaving behind a legacy built on hard work, pride, and deep devotion to family and school.
Carl Ruhl was born April 8, 1945, in his family’s rural Richland County home to Charles W. and Virginia (Wirick) Ruhl. A proud 1963 graduate of Bellville High School—the last class before consolidation—Carl was a Blue Jay through and through. He was named All-Ohio in football (back when there were only three divisions) and competed in three events at the state track meet. Strong, steady, and determined, he earned the nickname “Horse,” because Carl got things done—on and off the field—and never shied away from hard work.
On July 3, 1965, he married the love of his life, Mary Ann Kirkpatrick, beginning a partnership that anchored his life. Carl’s work ethic carried seamlessly from athletics into his career. He worked at Hi-Lo Trailer Company in Butler, the Butler Ski Lodge, and later spent 13 years with John Morley Builders operating heavy machinery. Trusted and respected, he was once handed a blank check and sent to the Caterpillar dealer to choose whatever equipment he wanted. For years, he moved earth with his D-4 cable blade dozer—dependable, dedicated, and precise. It was work he loved deeply and later shared with his son, Trent, the two of them able to “shop talk” about equipment and job sites for hours.
As his family became more involved in sports and extracurricular activities, Carl recognized that being present mattered most. Leaving a job he loved was no small decision, but it was the right one. For the next 31 years, he served as the custodian of Clear Fork High School and Junior High, part of the Clear Fork Valley Local School District. In that role, Carl shattered every stereotype of what a janitor was supposed to be. He set the standard—taking immense pride in his work, going above and beyond daily, and caring for the building as if it were his own home. He found fulfillment not just in polished floors and painted lines, but in the students and staff he encountered each day. He built relationships, earned respect, and gave it freely in return. Whether it was dragging a student out of study hall to lend a hand on a project or staying late to prepare for sporting events, concerts, and practices, Carl served with excellence, precision, and perfection. He even painted the football field himself several times in a single season, making sure every line was just right.
Carl was deeply invested in the success of Clear Fork athletics. He was active in the athletic boosters, helping raise money for supplies and equipment, always willing to step in wherever there was a need. Even long after his retirement, his commitment never wavered—he showed up shovel in hand to help put in the new all-weather track, still ready to work for the school and community he loved.
His new career allowed him the time to invest fully in his family and community. Carl coached pony league football, travel JABC baseball, and served as head softball coach at Clear Fork High School from 1983 to 1994. A successful and respected coach, he was known for developing talented athletes—his own children among them—and for teaching lessons that reached far beyond the scoreboard. He was proud of his family and rarely missed a game, concert, or event, faithfully showing up to support his children and later his grandchildren from the sidelines or the stands.
Outside of work and school, Carl kept himself busy. A self-described workaholic and perfectionist, he was passionate about whatever task was in front of him. He loved landscaping and filled his summers with projects, transforming ordinary yards into places of pride. He also had a love for collectible tractors—particularly John Deere—and was especially proud to own a 1977 Oliver Row Crop, a treasure that reflected both his appreciation for machinery and his farming roots. He loved the outdoors and found peace in staying active and productive. Carl knew how to work hard, but he also knew how to enjoy life. He loved spending his free time at the bowling alley, pitching horseshoes with steady aim and friendly competition, and line dancing alongside Mary Ann, the two of them rarely missing a step.
Above all, Carl deeply loved and cherished his family—his children and grandchildren were his greatest accomplishments. Whether it was a holiday gathering, a ballgame, or simply sitting together swapping stories, those were the moments he treasured most.
He will be remembered not only for his strength and work ethic, but for his one-liners, quiet orneriness, the twinkle in his eye, and that familiar sideways smirk that always left you wondering, “What has Carl been up to?” His legacy is one of dedication, integrity, humor, and unwavering love.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ann (Kirkpatrick) Ruhl, son Trent (Denise) Ruhl, daughter-in-law Tracey Ruhl; six grandchildren Morgan and Macey Ruhl, Kaeli (Michael) Jeffers, Tyler (Torrie) Ruhl, Tanner and Teegan Ruhl; two great grandchildren Tristan Ruhl and Annalise Jeffers; brother Bill (Connie) Ruhl, sister Charlotte (Larry) Klein, aunt June Kline along with many nieces and nephews and extended family.
Carl was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Virginia Ruhl, in-laws Earl and Aleta Kirkpatrick, daughter Treisa Ruhl, son Trev Ruhl and lifelong canine companions Cash and Lexi.
Friends may call Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 3 pm to 7 pm in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home where the funeral service will be held Friday at 10 am. Pastor Patrick Bailey will officiate and burial will follow in Oak Grove Memorial Park.
Memorial donations in honor of Carl may be made to the Clear Fork Athletic Boosters or the Clear Fork Valley Athletic Hall of Fame.
The Bellville Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ruhl family and encourage messages of support by visiting snyderfuneralhomes.com
Funeral Home: Bellville Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com