Melvin J. Ruley, age 80, Minster, passed away of natural causes Wednesday, February 21, 2018, at the Joint Twp. District Memorial Hospital in St. Marys, Ohio.

He was born August 10, 1937, in Minster, Ohio, to the late Cape and Luella (Steinecker) Ruley.

Melvin is survived by three sisters-in-law, Laura "Ruth" Ruley of Piqua, Sarah "Sally" Ruley and Bernadette Ruley, both of Minster, as well as numerous nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by five brothers and one sister-in-law: Harold, Donald, Richard & Lois, Norman and Vernon Ruley.

Mr. Ruley served in the U.S. Army in the early 1960s. He had been stationed in Washington State where he was assigned motor-pool duties. Melvin had been engaged in the business of automobile and truck sales all of his working life. He purchased and resold his first car at age 13 in 1950. He then started working with his brother Harold at Minster Motor Sales & Oldsmobile Garage. For several years Melvin owned and operated Ruley Motor Sales before working for Lake Auto Sales and present day, Chariot Motors, all located in St. Marys.

Although Melvin officially retired in 2011, he continued to stop in and observe the day to day activities in the car business he loved. In his leisure, Mel enjoyed cooking, grooming his potted flowers, and especially watching the neighborhood activities with his dog Charlie at his side.

Funeral services will be 11:30 AM, Saturday, February 24, 2018, at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie. Interment will follow at the German Protestant Cemetery in New Bremen.

Friends may call Saturday 9:30 to 11:30 AM at Gehret Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Center for Neurological Development in Burkettsville.

Private condolences may be expressed at www.gehretfuneralhome.com.