Gary Michael Ruppe “Mike” age 65, of Union Mills, NC passed away on Saturday October the 18th 2014. Mike was the son of the late Ralph Roberts and Beulah Mae Dobbins Ruppe. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Karen Ruppe; daughter Karen Michelle Ruppe and fiancé Al Irizarry of New York; Son Gary Michael Ruppe II and wife Jenny of Union Mills, NC; daughter Kristy Ruppe Craddock and husband John of Greensboro, NC; Grandchildren Kaitlyn Marie Ruppe, Gary Michael Ruppe III, Kelvin Pelzy Ruppe, Kennedy Isla Craddock; Siblings Jim Ruppe, J. Marshall Ruppe and Margit, Maxine and Hubert Adair, T. Howard Ruppe, John Ruppe, Steve and Ginger Ruppe, Carol Axon. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Norris Ruppe, and sisters Patricia Baynard, and Glynna Ledbetter. Mike loved woodworking, gardening, and enjoying the outdoors. He was a lifelong animal lover and enjoyed rescuing pets. Donations in his memory may be made to the Rutherford Humane Society, 531 Railroad Ave Rutherfordton, NC 28139. The family will receive friends from 5-7 Thursday night at Crowe’s Mortuary and Crematory. Online condolences may be made at www.crowemortuary.com.