Thomas Lee Rugh

in Lansing, MI on July 16, 1942, Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Florence (Deming)

and Layton Rugh.

Tom graduated from Lansing Eastern High School in 1960 and entered the Air Force ROTC at

Michigan State University ultimately graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Shortly

afterward Tom went to work for Consumers Power (now Consumers Energy) retiring in 2000

after 35 years of dedicated service.

Growing up in a city that built automobiles, Tom was always known for his love of a clean car

with a mirror-like finish on the paint and custom interior lighting. After retiring, Tom was admired

and appreciated by his neighbors who often brought their cars over to be detailed and readied

for the road. Having worked for Consumers Power, Tom learned to work with his hands and

develop team-building skills that transpired into a successful partnership with Michigan’s public

schools. Being honored by the State of Michigan for his efforts to raise student achievement

was considered by Tom to be among his most cherished accomplishments. LIkewise, he was

proud of the practical skills he taught his kids.

Following a car accident in 1962,Tom walked into the AAA Insurance office near Frandor. There

he met a lovely woman with whom he would spend the rest of his days. Tom married the love of

his life, Deanna Crispin, on March 21st, 1964 and together they raised three children.

Tom shared his love of the water with his family. Pursuing a dream, Tom designed and built a

small family cottage with his father and longtime friend, Lee Rogers, on South Lake Leelanau in

the early 1970’s, where he taught his kids to drive a boat, waterski, sail, fish, and appreciate

being outside. Many summers were enjoyed on Lake Leelanau while twenty winters were spent

in Venice, Fl enjoying the beaches, the intercoastal waterway, and even a job with the local

homeowners association designing irrigation systems.

Tom was a doer and a happy taskmaster. He enjoyed being busy and always had several

projects going on at once. He tore down the small family cottage and built a larger, more

modern lakefront home where his growing family loved to visit. He continued to detail cars of

friends and neighbors until his final days.

He loved animals of every kind and was a favorite among shoppers at Home Depot near Venice

where he brought his beloved dog, Scooby, stopping to enjoy a hot dog and chat with others -

about his dog.

Tom was poignant and loving, and he cared deeply about his family. He will be missed by his

entire family including his older brother, John (Constance), children Christopher (Elana), Dayna(Scott) Ehrenberger, and Dean (Melissa). Tom will also be dearly missed by his eight grandchildren: Elizabeth (Rob), Mitchell, Evan, Hannah, Abigail, Emma, Amelia and Carson,

and great grandson Sawyer.

Tom’s family will have a private family celebration at a later date to remember, laugh, and tell

stories of a man so loved.

The family wishes to warmly recognize Sparrow Healthcare’s Hospice House of Mid-Michigan

for their extraordinary professionalism, friendship, and compassion. The family asks that,

should you feel so inclined, make a donation to this organization’s hospice services.