Larry A Cruise

Larry A. Cruise, 87, a lifelong Ravenna Twp resident, passed away Friday June 26, 2026, at his daughter’s home. He was born November 13, 1938, in Ravenna to the late Raymond A. and Charlotte A. (Smallfield) Cruise. Mr. Cruise was a veteran of the US Air Force and a member of the Ravenna First United Methodist Church. After serving in the military, he returned home to run the family farm and gravel plant until his retirement in 2016. Larry was literally a character; from 1978 to 1992 he was the Ravenna Highschool mascot Randy the Raven entertaining fans at football games and community parades. He was also known for his roll as Santa Claus for various organizations throughout Portage County for over 20 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Sondra K. Cruise on July 10, 2016, and his brother Blair Cruise. Survivors include his children Greg A. Cruise, Cid Lee Emerine-Cruise, Tia L. Rutledge, his grandchildren Alan Cruise, Tatiana Kline, Aleksandr Rutledge and great granddaughter Nova Kline. Calling hours will be Wednesday July 1, 2026 from 6 to 8 PM at the Shorts Spicer Crislip Funeral Homes Ravenna Chapel where funeral services will be 10:00 AM Thursday July 2, 2026. Burial with military honors will follow in Standing Rock Cemetery Kent, Ohio. Please visit www.sscfuneralhomes.com to offer a condolence, share a memory of light a candle.