Date of Birth
May 19, 1973
Date of Death
February 14, 2024
Chris Ruchaj, of Sugar Grove, passed away peacefully at home, Wednesday, February 14, 2024. Gone without being able to say goodbye, his memories fall to his family and friends to share so Chris will be remembered by a community in mourning.
He was born May 19, 1973, in Oak Lawn, IL, to proud and loving parents, Walter and Mary Ruchaj.
Chris grew up in Chicago for a time before moving to Bridgeview. Later Aurora became his home. He graduated from Waubonsee Valley High School with the class of 1991.
Chris continued his education at Universal Technical Institute where he received a bachelor’s degree. He was elbow deep in grease and oil while he worked with his hands as a diesel mechanic, making sure everything was working in harmony.
Chris was united in marriage to Audra Scarbro. They were blessed with three wonderful children, and although they would eventually take different paths, the love for their children remained the same.
Chris changed careers but not his mindset when he put on a uniform and worked to help his community come together in good times and bad. During his tenure, Chris, now Deputy Ruchaj, first served as a Corrections Officer in the Kane County Jail. Chris was then sworn in as a Sheriff’s Deputy and served in the Patrol and Warrant Divisions. Chris was one of the first Township Deputies in the Kane County Sheriff’s new program and he served Elgin and Dundee Townships. In that role, he developed many critical bonds between those communities and the Sheriff’s Office. In the role he felt most proudly, he was currently working as the Community Resource Officer at Kaneland High School in Maple Park. Chris was known for his passion for helping guide kids towards a positive path in life. He recently participated in a roundtable discussion concerning online safety, emphasizing the importance for parents to engage in conversations with their teenagers about the enduring nature of social media content.
Chris created outstanding relationships with students and staff that left an indelible mark that will last a lifetime. Chris also dedicated his time as a Sugar Gove Fire District trustee for several years.
Chris loved seeing his favorite Chicago Bears take to the gridiron and cheered for his beloved White Sox on the south side every season. NASCAR brought the thunder, and he tried his best to never miss a checkered flag. He saved his biggest cheer for his children, anticipating and attending every event, never missing a chance to celebrate the wins and commiserate over the losses. If there was a road trip in the offering, you never needed to ask Chris twice. The soundtrack to Chris’s life was full of oldies, rock and metal, but all roads led to the familiar notes of country music. Trips to Texas, West Virginia and especially to his aunt and uncle’s house for fishing alongside his best friend Lenny were the highlights of his travel. The stories born from his travels may or may not always be told, but when they are you can be sure they will be exaggerated. Home always beckoned Chris back to the love of his family, three pups, Harley, Bubba, and Lucky as well has his cat, Chloe. No one can fill Chris’ shoes, but may his spirit become a balm to our tears and his memory help to heal our broken hearts.
He leaves behind his children, the three loves of his life: Riane, Amber and Chris Ruchaj; several aunts, uncles, cousins and a community full of friends.
He is reunited with his parents: Walter and Mary Ruchaj as well as his stepfather, Barry Stephens who preceded him in death.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 23, 2024, from 5:30-9 p.m. at Kaneland Harter Middle School, 1601 Esker Dr, Sugar Grove, IL 60554. A funeral service to celebrate his life will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 24, 2024, also at Harter Middle School. Private family burial will follow cremation at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at the Old Second Bank in Elburn, 749 N Main St, Elburn, IL 60119. Electronic deposits by be made directly into a special account, or checks may be made to the Christopher M. Ruchaj Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.
Visitation will be held Friday, February 23, 2024, from 5:30-9 p.m. at Kaneland Harter Middle School, 1601 Esker Dr, Sugar Grove, IL 60554. A funeral service to celebrate his life will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 24, 2024, also at Harter Middle School. Private family burial will follow cremation at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established at the Old Second Bank in Elburn, 749 N Main St, Elburn, IL 60119. Electronic deposits by be made directly into a special account, or checks may be made to the Christopher M. Ruchaj Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Memories and tributes may be left on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.