William Bradley Ruhlin

William Bradley Ruhlin passed away at Methodist West Hospital in Katy, TX on March 16, 2015 after a long illness. Bill was 84 years old. Bill was born in St. Petersburg, FL on July 23, 1930. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Francis Joseph Ruhlin and Kathleen O’Hare Ruhlin; sister, Kathleen Ruhlin DeWoody; infant daughter, Melissa Marie Ruhlin; grandson, Robert Charles Ruhlin; and two infant grandsons, Michael and Matthew Decker. In 1948 Bill graduated from St. Paul’s High School in St. Petersburg, Florida. From there he attended the University of Florida where he earned a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering Degree in 1953. He later earned a Master of Science Degree in Chemical Engineering from Louisiana State University in 1960. While attending high school, he met and fell in love with Joan Therese Kavanaugh, whom he married in 1953. Bill was extremely proud of the family they raised together. Through all the highs and lows of raising his children, Bill remained steadfast with his integrity and moral standards. Throughout his career, Bill had a very strong code of ethics and work quality. At the same time he had a bright, funny disposition and a wonderfully positive way of dealing with coworkers. Most of Bill’s career was spent working for Ethyl Corporation in Baton Rouge, LA and in Houston, TX. In 1973 Bill was sent to Europe to start up a production plant. He and Joan packed their bags and with their 10 children moved to Europe (no easy feat!), while he worked in Milan, Italy and Feluy, Belgium. Bill made the most of his time in Europe, and he loved recalling the good times that he and his family experienced while living there. The family had many grand adventures, touring much of Europe, taking in all the vast cultural diversities, the arts, culinary experiences, the history and the people. For Bill and all of the family this was the experience of a lifetime! Through his experiences in Europe, Bill became quite fond of traveling. Upon returning to the states, he and Joan continued to travel, creating wonderful memories through the romantic getaways they enjoyed together. As their children grew up and moved away, Bill and Joan took regular "round robin" trips where they would hop in the car and make their way around the country, visiting each of their children along the way. He loved planning “Girls' trips” for his wife and daughters, sharing in their laughter and fun through nightly phone calls. He and his sons enjoyed spending time together on “Boys' trips” as well. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan Kavanaugh Ruhlin; brothers: Charles Lawrence and John Joseph Ruhlin; children and their spouses: David (Evelyn) Ruhlin; Kathleen (Robert) Brennan; Kristina Decker; Bruce (Judy) Ruhlin; Elizabeth (Anthony) Hartzell; Kurt (Amy) Ruhlin; Michele (Grant) Kenion; Barbara (John) Verrett; Joseph (Brooke) Ruhlin; and Eric (Dhenuka) Ruhlin; grandchildren: Alicia Ruhlin Gaither, Mary Brennan, Emily Brennan Penland, Kerry Brennan Guerrero; Brian, Christopher, Stephen and Theresa Decker; Michael Ruhlin; Allison and Jake Hartzell; Claire and Matt Ruhlin; Gus, Bridget and Helen Kenion; William, Kelly, and Colleen Verrett; Samuel, Rachel, Kathleen and Patrick Ruhlin; and Jiya Ruhlin; great-grandchildren: Aaron Menchaca; Abigail Brennan and Kathryn Penland; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers at Bill’s services will be grandsons Mike Ruhlin, Chris Decker, Willie Verrett, Stephen Decker, Gus Kenion, Matt Ruhlin, Sam Ruhlin, and Patrick Ruhlin. The Ruhlin family will be present to receive friends Wednesday, March 18, 2015 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a holy rosary being recited at 7:30 PM at Dettling Funeral Home, 14094 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77079. The Funeral Mass will commence Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 10:30 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079. Graveside services will follow holy mass in Memorial Oaks Cemetery. A reception will follow graveside services in St. Jude Hall at St. John Vianney Catholic Church. Visit www.DettlingFuneral.com to read more and leave online tributes. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Bill’s memory to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center or the Texas Children’s Hospital Neonatal Unit. Bill was a one of a kind individual and will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

William Bradley Ruhlin

July 23, 1930 - March 16, 2015