Obituaries

LeLand John Ruzicka, 82, passed away at his home in Lansing surrounded by family on June 19, 2011.

Born in Ithaca, NY, on August 31, 1928, Lee was a son of the late Bernard and Goldie (Davis) Ruzicka. A lifelong Lansing resident, he graduated from Ithaca High School, attended drafting school in Albany, and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. In 1951 he was married to Eleanor Ludlow and they enjoyed 60 years together at their lake home on Milliken Station Road Ext. Lee worked at Cayuga Rock Salt in Lansing for many years before getting seriously hurt on the job.

He was a former member of the East Hill Flying Club, a motorcycle and car enthusiast, a Tony Stewart fan in the NASCAR series, and he enjoyed boating. If it involved speed, Lee was interested in it. He loved being outdoors, whether splitting wood or just enjoying the lake with his family and his lab, Annie. He was a well-read, interesting person and such a great Dad who consistently loved to guide you through life with great, thoughtful advice. Lee loved to talk, if you had time to listen, or even if you didn't.

Lee is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Eleanor Ludlow Ruzicka; daughters, Pam (John) Haring of Lansing, Jan Ruzicka of Lansing and Kim (Mel) McLachlan of Interlaken; grandson, Ryan Moore of Ballston Spa, NY; brother, Ben Ruzicka of Lansing; sister-in-law, Evelyn Countryman of Lansing; nieces, Brook, Monica and Lisa Ruzicka all of Lansing. Lee also leaves a large extended family and his beloved "lake family".

For those who wish to remember Lee in the form of a contribution, please consider a Home Health Care Agency of your choice; Gadabout, 737 Willow Ave., Ithaca, NY 14850; or Tompkins County SPCA, 1640 Hanshaw Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850.

Lee's family would like to personally thank Lissy, Crystal, Shelly and Kelli for giving us the opportunity to keep Dad home.

In keeping with Lee's wishes, no public services will be scheduled. Lansing Funeral Home is assisting the family.