Dennis E. Ruhlman

                 Dennis Eugene Ruhlman, 74, of Seneca, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by those who loved him on Thursday morning, August 7, 2025.

                He was born on February 23, 1951 in Oil City to the late Warren and Colleen (Parson) Ruhlman. 

                Dennis was a graduate of Reynolds High School and went on to earn a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University.  He applied his skills and knowledge throughout a successful career, working for the Werner Company, Electralloy, and Pennzoil.  He served as Vice President of Franklin Steel and later worked as a consultant with McCarl's Industrial and Mechanical Contractors.

                A natural problem-solver, Dennis could fix just about anything.  He was a hands-on engineer at heart-- curious, clever, and always tinkering.  He even built the first satellite TV dish in the area himself, long before such technology was commonplace. 

                Dennis was married on August 17, 1973 to the love of his life, Audrey Jeanne (Morrison).  Together they shared nearly 52 years of marriage, raising a family and building a life filled with love, laughter, and memorable stories. 

                In addition to his wife Audrey, he is survived by four daughters, Gayle Mitchell and her husband Lance of Venus, K.T. McCann and her husband John of Richland, Michigan, Maria Ruhlman of Battle Creek, Michigan, and Adriana Bayona Botero, their beloved exchange daughter of Bogota, Columbia. 

                He was lovingly known as "Bucko" to his grandchildren, who brought him endless joy, Chase (Virginia) Mitchell of Kennett Square, Caine (Lyndsie) Mitchell of Rockland, Quinn Mitchell of Venus, and Evan and Liam McCann of Richland, Michigan. 

                Bucko will also be missed dearly by his great-grandchildren: Romy and Griffin Mitchell, Eli and Ella LaFon, and Farryn, Freya, and Loxas Mitchell. 

                Dennis is also survived by his sister, Star Johnson Terry and her husband Dennis of Rome, Ohio; and two brothers, Dick Ruhlman and his wife Susan of Alabama, and James Ruhlman of Greenville. 

                In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Neil and Warren "Skip" Ruhlman. 

                Dennis had a wide circle of friends, especially in Florida where he enjoyed wintering.  A loyal Nittany Lions fan, fall Saturdays were reserved for Penn State football.  He was also known for his legendary "dad jokes"--the kind that made you groan and laugh at the same time.  His stories, laughter, and quiet strength will be deeply missed by all who knew him. 

                Visitation will be held Saturday (August 9) from 1 - 4 p.m. in the Hile-Best Funeral Home, 2781 Rte. 257 in Seneca.  A private funeral service for the family will follow, with Pastor Andy Blystone of the Seneca Son Rise Church, officiating.  Private interment will take place at the family's convenience. 

                Memorial donations may be made to the Cranberry Area Food Pantry, P.O. Box 446, Seneca PA  16346; the Cranberry Robotics Education Club, 1 Education Drive, Seneca PA 16346; or to a charity of one's choice. 

                To express online condolences to the family, visit www.hilebest.com

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