Lanny "Sonny" Ruth

Lanny “Sonny” Ruth, age 86, of Manchester, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026, at AdventHealth in Manchester.

Sonny was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather, and a faithful servant of the Lord. He spent the last 49 years of his life on Island Creek in Manchester, where he made a home filled with love and memories with his wife of 61 years, Shirley Ruth.

Sonny was a retired business owner and truck driver. He was the founder of Sonny’s Clay Tire and Ruth’s Trucking. He was known as “Soul Brother” amongst the trucking community. Throughout his life, he worked hard and took great pride in providing for and supporting his family. But his greatest joy was being there for the people he loved. He was the kind of husband and father who stood behind his family in whatever endeavors they chose, always offering his love, encouragement, and support. His faith in the Lord was an important part of his life, and he sought to live as a faithful servant of God and an example of love and devotion to those around him.  Some of Sonny’s fondest memories were made alongside his children. He loved being at the go-kart track with his son, Jeff, cheering him on and sharing in those special moments earning trophies together. He proudly coached his daughter Lainie’s softball team, creating memories that would last a lifetime. He also loved training and showing horses with his daughter Jaimee, enjoying the time they spent together and the experiences and wins they shared. Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, Ruby “Sitter” Ruth and Burchell Ruth; and his beloved son, Jeff Ruth. He leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Shirley Dearner Ruth; daughters, Lainie Ruth Miller and Jaimee Smith and her husband, Eric Smith, as well as his daughter in law, Barbara Marcum Ruth; and his three grandchildren, Isaac Smith, Kylie Miller, and Kanon Miller.

Sonny’s faith carried him throughout his life, and now he has gone home to be with the Lord he faithfully served. While his family’s hearts are broken by his passing, they find comfort in knowing that he is no longer suffering and has received his heavenly reward. We can imagine that one of the sweetest moments of his homecoming was being reunited with his beloved son, Jeff. After years apart, father and son are together again—never to be separated. His family will hold tightly to the promise that this goodbye is not forever. Until they meet again, Sonny’s love, his faith, and the countless memories he gave them will remain forever in their hearts.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

Funeral services for Lanny “Sonny” Ruth will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Rominger Funeral Home Chapel, with Anthony Lovett officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral. Pallbearers will be: Eric Smith, Oscar Gray, Isaac Smith, Luke Gregory, Randy Rader, Kanon Miller, Fountain Dearner, and Richard Asher. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that Bibles be sent in honor of Sonny Ruth through Gideons International.

Arrangements entrusted to the Rominger Funeral Home.