Thomas F. Von Ruden

SUN CITY WEST – On Thursday, 17 May 2018, Tom Von Ruden, United States Olympian and husband of Betty Ray, ran his final race. Tom passed away after a fierce battle with cancer. Tom was 73 and was born in Idaho on August 22, 1944.

Tom was a 1966 Oklahoma State University graduate. His passion was competition in any sport, especially Track and Field. His track career began when he was awarded a Scholarship to Oklahoma State University after winning the mile and leading his team from Notus, Idaho to the Idaho State Championship Title in 1962.

By 1966, he had become the best miler in OSU history. Tom earned NCAA All American in the mile in 1966, won the individual NCAA Indoor 880 title in 1965, was a member of two NCAA Indoor Championship relays in 1965 and 1966 and a member of the World Record two mile relay team in 1965. After graduation, he continued his running career and won more honors including several indoor and outdoor World Records.

Tom was the Pan Am Games 1500m Champion in 1967 and was a member of the 1968 Olympic Team and a finalist in the 1500m in Mexico City. Tom ran more than 500 races in a career that spanned 14 years. Not only did Tom race all over the World, he was a goodwill ambassador. He was relentless on the track, a respected competitor and most of all, he was a good friend with a kind word for everyone he met. Tom’s track career ended in 1976.

Tom served in the US Army from 1967 to 1969. Then he returned to OSU to complete his MBA and take a job as an unpaid assistant track coach. Every runner he coached without exception holds fond memories of working out and being trained by one of the best runners in the World.

Tom worked in the hotel industry until his recent retirement in 2013. He and Betty Ray have spent their time doing daily workouts and filling the items on their bucket list with a trip to Maui and numerous road trips.

Tom is survived by his wife, Betty Ray, his sisters, Ardith Birdsell of Julian, CA and Bonnie Stillman of San Diego, CA. Tom’s brother, Edward, proceeded him in death. He leaves behind stepchildren Kelly Reid and Michael Ray, grandchildren Alexandra Reid, Benjamin Reid, Peyton Ray & Addisyn Ray. They will miss their Papa.

Everyone who knew Tom will understand the last request of this modest and humble man. Cremation, spread the ashes in my favorite places in Lake Tahoe and Maui and no funeral service.

We will miss and remember Tom and honor his last wishes.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society. Please join Thomas’ family in sharing memories, pictures, or videos on his tribute wall at www.caminodelsol.com