Pastor Rudy Ringhoff
Rudolph Timothy Ringhoff, 62, of Polson, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday,December 14, 2009.
Rudy was born on July 10, 1947 in Olympia, WA, the son of Fred H. and Lydia Opal Ringhoff. He graduated from Columbia High School in Burbank, WA, attended LeTourneau College in Longview, TX and graduated from Western Baptist Bible College. He then attended San Francisco Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated from Western Conservative Baptist Theological Seminary in Portland, OR with a Master of Divinity degree. Rudy helped to put himself through seminary by driving tanker trucks for both the Arco and Texaco Oil Companies.
He married his high school sweetheart, Rita Soden on August 9, 1969 and together had two children, Tim and Jennifer.
He counted it a privilege and a gift of the Lord to be able to serve Him in this beautiful valley and the dear people of First Baptist Church for almost 32 years. He loved all of you very much.
Rudy is preceded in death by his father, and sister, Zoe.
Survivors include his loving wife, Rita, of Polson, son Tim (Rachelle) Ringhoff of Gretna, NE, daughter Jennifer (Travis) Stidham of White Sulphur Springs, MT; grandchildren, Bryar, Ashton, Isabella, Trae, and Marena; his mother, Lydia Opal Ringhoff of Everett, WA; a sister, Mary (Ted) Reed of Everett, WA, and many other relatives.
Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, December 21, 2009, 11:00 AM, at the First Baptist Church of Polson, MT with visitation one hour prior to the service. Pastor Rodney Myrum and Pastor Scott Craven will officiate. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery in Polson, MT. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 40401 MT Highway 35, Polson, MT 59860. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff at Grogan Funeral Home, Polson considers it a privilege to care for Pastor Ringhoff’s family.
The Director of Alumni, staff and faculty of Corban College express their love and condolences to you, Rita, amd your children, and pray you will sense God’s leading in the days to come. Rudy and you are a supreme example of making a difference in the world for Jesus Christ, and we are honored to count you both as alumni.
Jenn and family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys. Please let us know if we can help with anything. Your dad was a great person. Love, the Seredays
Our thoughts & prayers are with you, Rita & your children. Your husband & father was a wonderful example of living a Christ filled life. I will always cherish the time I was able to spend with him. We know that he is now in a better place with his Savior. We will be praying for you & all of your family.
Dear Rita,
My sister, Dorothy, just called me to say that Rudy went home to be with the Lord last Monday. I’m so very sorry for your loss. Be assured of my prayers for you and your family during these difficult days.
As a college family we convey our condolences to his wife, Rita, son, Tim, daughter, Jennifer and the extended family and church family.
Thank-you for sharing Ruby with us. He had the softest heart and truly loved. If Baptists dance in heaven mom would have been first in line We miss him but how awesome to be “absent from the body and present with the Lord” . love you guys and let us know what we can do. YOU know he wouldn’t want to come back after entering Heaven but that doesn’t lessen the pain right now.
We will miss his steadfast teaching and love.
Rita,
Our hearts go out to you at this time. We always enjoyed talking with Rudy and working with him at camp. Fond memories! He will be missed, but we know that he is with his Lord and we shall see him again!
Death is not an end; it’s a crossing from this earthly life laden with conflict and uncertainty, to a place of perfect peace and harmony. And, though it is hard to say goodbye to those we love, we know that we can look forward to a joyous reunion through the grace of our Lord. Rita and family, we are wishing you comfort through your faith in God’s promise of eternal life.
I have knownTim for 11 years now. Tim has been a great friend, co-worker, and Police Officer. I can only imagine how proud Rudy must have been to have had such a great son!
Tim,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your father. Please know that you family is our thoughts and prayers. Please don’t hesitate to ask if there’s anything you need.
Jake & Shelly Ritonya
We are sorry about your loss, but rest assured that Rudy is in Heaven with our Lord!
Your family are in our prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I can’t help but smile knowing he’s with our maker and walking with Grandpa and his little sis. What a joy to know we will see him again! Love to all of your family.
We are so sorry for your loss. Although we didn’t have a chance to meet Mr. Ringhoff, we feel like we knew him because Tim speaks of him often and tells such great stories of the visits to Montana. It sounds like he was an amazing person with a huge heart. We are keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve and Sue Hogle
We send our love and prayers to Rita and family at this time of loss. We were always blessed by our fellowship with you, most recently at the State meeting that we attended at your church.
Our hearts go out to you Rita. Pastor Rudy was always so kind to our family and we will never forget that. He would always send Austin a birthday card because they shared the same birthday. That meant a lot to Austin. He will definitely be missed. We are stunned to hear of his passing and are very sorry for your loss.
Rita, Tim and Jennifer,
We are so sorry to hear about Rudy. It is such a shock. He was a wonderful pastor and even though we have been gone from Polson for 20 years, we still run across notes taken from his preaching written in our Bibles. It makes us remember our 10 years there fondly. Since our years there we have had several pastors and we recognize Rudy as a real gem. You will be in our prayers. John and Bev
Ringhoff Family,
May God be with you and your family during this difficult time. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Beran Family
Mark’s mother told us about Rudy’s death. We are so very sorry and will be thinking of you and praying for you in the days ahead! Lots of memories of Western days have been recalled the last few days.
From San Angelo Texas…..we are soo sorry to hear about Rudy’s passing.. Mom called tonight to let us know…..Andy received a call from Brian Mahan….life is precious…but being with Jesus is a far greater glory than this life…It isn’t hard on Rudy to be in heaven but it’s hard on Rita…I don’t know what he died from…but being married to a doctor I know how unexpected death comes to many…..that is why today counts for eternity. I have lots of good memories of Rudy and enjoyed his preaching so much…. love in Christ Sarah
I was shocked to learn of Rudy’s passing. He was always a positive influence in the lives of the people of Western Montana. May the Lord bless and keep his family and direct the people of the Church.
Rita,Tim, and Jennifer and families
Its kinda hard to write anything after reading my brothers condolences, He has a better way with words. Like he said, Pastor has always been my “Pastor” even though I haven’t gone to church in Polson for seven years. He was always excited to teach Gods word. Many of the things he preached about still come to my mind as I go about my life. He was a very important man in my life and I am thankful for the time he invested in me and my family. Heidi and I are praying for you during this time and are looking forward to when we all get to be with him in Heaven! Nathan and Heidi
My prayers go out to Pastor Ringhoff’s family, his church family & friends, as he had made many.. Rudy was probably the best Bible teaching pastor I have ever had the honor to know.. May we all rejoice that he is wih his Saviour..
Dear Rita, Timmy and Jennifer,
Wow! It has been soooooo many years since I have been home and had the privilege to have my “childhood” pastor fill me with the word of God. Pastor Ringhoff was and always will be an inspiration to me. You, Rita, were always there to support me on my High School adventures weather it be cheer leading or Jazz choir and I want to personally thank you for always cheering me on. You will always be a treasure to me. Pastor Rudy and you were a huge inspiration to me and encouraged me to attend Western Baptist Bible College. Were I later found and married a wonderful man of God. I thank you both for speaking into my life. I so look forward to seeing Pastor again one day and can’t wait to hug him…in the presence of Jesus!!! Timmy and Jennifer, I am proud of who you both grew up to become. I have heard so much about you as the years have past. Praise God for all the memories we share as we grew up together. Love you all and pray for comfort and strength that only God can give you. My love to you….Always, Lorina Clark
Spending Christmas with Jesus…………….
Bill and I loved Rudy’s passion for teaching God’s word.
To you Rita, Tim, Jennifer and extended family, our deepest hearfelt condolences in the loss of Rudy. Even though we don’t see each other very much, when we did, it was always a treat. We will miss him and our prayers are with you and as the days and months unfold.
Love,
Orville, Georgia and Derrick Paul
Our love to the family. We are only a phone call away, anytime night or day. We want you to know you are in our prayer. We love and miss Pastor very much.
Rita, Tim and Jennifer…
I was deeply saddened to hear of Pastors passing. I spent alot of my childhood with all of you and I wish I would have stayed in closer contact. I appologizes for that. I pray that you all will find strength and peace to help you get through this loss. I loved and respected Pastor from the time that I was just a small child. I can picture him in Heaven with a smile on his face looking down on everyone that he has ever loved. Thank you for always being a second family to me. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
We are sorry that we can’t be there for the service honoring Pastor Rudy but will remember the family in our prayers.
Rudy will be truely be missed. I grew up with him and Rita during their high school years at Burbank Wa.
Rita, Tim, and Jennifer, You have been in our prayers since we’ve heard of Pastor’s passing. We will miss him a lot when we go home to visit. We have many lovely memories of Pastor, including when he married us in ’89. One of the things we looked forward to was going to McDonalds after Sunday night church and catching up with you guys. We love you all, and you will continue to be in our prayers. Love Dick and Gayle
I feel Blessed to have known Rudy as my pastor as a little girl thru my high school years. He was a great leader with a humble heart and I will always be greatful to him for his leading in my life. My Prayers for God’s comfort.
Rita, Tim, and Jennifer,
It was hard to believe when I was told of Pastor’s passing. I can’t imagine the sadness you are feeling. As everyone that has ever been in contact with him knows, he was a great man of God. Pastor and your family were a big part of my childhood, and I’ll never forget the times we all shared. Even though I’ve moved on to other churches since I left Montana, I have always referred to him as my Pastor. I wish I could be there during this time; but know that you and your family are in my prayers.
Rita, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Rudy officiated our marriage August 15, 1992. It was a pleasure getting to know him through the process.
With our deepest sympathy to you and your family,
Curtis & Cheryl Anderson
So sorry for your loss. You have been on my mind and in my prayers all week. I am so happy I got to met Rudy when you came back to the reunion. What a nice obituary. He will be missed by all.
Love to all
Sharon, Stanley and Aunt Gertie
Rita, Tim & family, Jeninifer & family and extended family:
We extend our heartfelt love and prayers after the sudden homegoing of Pastor Rudy. With you, we can hardly believe that he has left us and he will be dearly missed. Of course, we know He is with his Lord and would not deny him that blessed place in God’s presence. May God uphold you in His strength and comfort in the days ahead (Ps. 61:1,2; 91:1,2). We count it a privilege to have been in the same church and served the Lord together for 12 years. He was a faithful man of the Word and fulfilled his calling with excellence. We will always remember his love for the Lord, His people and, in particular, his encouragement to all of us. Our children will always remember him as their pastor and for the unique relationship as partners in the gospel ministry, we will always be grateful. Be assured of our prayerful support as you adjust to life without your beloved husband and father.
Jennifer and family,
My prayers go out to all of you during your time of sorrow. May you find comfort in all of the memories you have of your dad! Please call if you need anything.
Kristal (Hanson) Richards
Dear Rita, Timmy & Jennifer
We pray that God will give you the eyes to see beyond the clouds of earth into the glory of heaven, and the peace that comes from knowing that Rudy is there in His arms.. With our prayers for you at this time.. We Love You..
“Let not your hearts be troubled.. I go to prepare a place for you.. that where I am, there ye may be also..” John 14:1-3
“I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you..” Isaiah 41;13
Rudy taught me that “real men” cry, and gave me a firm foundation of truth to build on. i will always thank GOD that i was able to grow up under his leadership!!!
Rita, Tim, Jen, and all of First Baptist, you are all in my prayers!
my kids will know of rudys example and his love for GODS people!!!
Rita, Tim and Jennifer,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mandy Sloan Steig
Tim and Rachelle and family, May you see God’s great faithfulness and love during this time. From all the messages written, your Father was truely a man used of God. There is no better life story written then one of serving the Lord. I will be praying for you Tim, Rachelle, Rita and family.
Our prayers and condolences are with you Rita and your dear family in the loss of a very special friend for Margie and me and Shepherds. Pastor’s love for people, Shepherds, the Word of God and life itself was exemplary. We will never forget his help to us through the years as we represent Shepherds. His joyful attitude, Christian commitment and people person gifts will always be remembered by us all. How privileged we were to sit in on many of his Thursday evening Bible studies at First Baptist this summer. We thank our God upon every remembrance of you and pastor. Your lives together were honoring the the Lord and we pray His special grace and support during this tender moment and the years to come. Ralph & Margie Poulson (Shepherds Home)
Tim and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your Dads passing. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. If there is anything you need, please don’t hesitate to let me know.
Dear Ringhoff family,
Our deepest sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, especially, Tim and Rachelle and the grandchildren.
We are sorry we could not attend the services, but hope you will find solace each in your own way.
Sincerely,
Michele and James Laidlaw and family
To Jennifer & Family: We extend sympathy to you and your entire family at this most difficult time. Our Thoughts are with you.
Lorna & Ed Fox
We send our deepest sympathy to Rita, all the family and friends, and the church family at First Baptist in Polson. We pray you will sense God’s presence, His love, and comfort; and pray He will bring you through this dark valley of grieving to light on the other side.
Dear Rita…
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time! I have great memories of Rudy and his great messages and how he always was available and reached out to us when we lost our grandparents! He will be missed!
Love,
Katie
We want to convey our deepest sympathy at the home going of Rudy. We count it a privilege to have known him and to have ministered with him here in Montana, as well as our current ministry in Cameroon, Africa. Rudy was a true brother, and friend, in Christ; faithful and always an encouragment to us – as I’m sure he was to so many others. He was a man who loved the Lord and was faithful in letting people know about Him.
“O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent? Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart;
who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor;
nor take up a reproach against his friend;
in whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord;
who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
who does not put out his money at interest and who does not take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things shall never be moved. Psalm 15
I believe that this Psalm typifies Rudy’s life. He is a friend who will be missed, but we rejoice with all that Rudy is home with the Lord whom he loved and proclaimed. May the peace of our Savior comfort you, strengthen you and cover you.
Randy & Shawn Olson
Pastor Ringhoff will be missed not only by those of his family and congregation, but also by those in the community who agreed with his conservative views. As a Right to Lifer , an anti-gambling person etc., I always looked forward to seeing him and listening to him articulate his feelings on these and other conservative issues. I remember once when we were th only 2 in a room full of people who felt a state lottery would be wrong. He is happy now to be with his Heavenly Father. There is no contention there. We know that God be with you and your family during this difficult time. Your family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Joanne & Gil Mnagels
Joanne Mangels
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Cousin Rudy’s presence will be missed by everyone. Even though the Felts family didn’t see much of Rudy and his family over the years we still have the memories of us kids growing up. Thanks Rudy for the stories, the laughter and that crazy bicycle ride to downtown Olympia. It’s comforting to know you are with Zoe, Uncle Fred (your Dad) and Granny now.
I am so sorry to hear of Pastor’s Rudy’s passing. Our deepest sympathies to you, Rita and your family. He was so passionate about teaching God’s Word. And now he is face to face with his Lord.
To the ringhoff family my greatest sympothy we feel for your loss