In Memory: Tom Ruble

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our father, Tom, on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, peacefully at his home in Mansfield, Ohio.

Born December 1, 1930 to Samuel Elijah and Ethel Marie (nee Gardner) Ruble in Rittman, he was a loving husband of the late Ruthie Jane (nee Harter) of Apple Creek, to whom he was married for 34 years until her death in 1991.

He is survived by their daughters, Suzanne Ruth (Craig Dorsey); Alison Marie; and Jennifer Ann.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Earl Donald (‘Don’); and sister, Charlotte Jane.

Tom graduated from Rittman High in 1948 and obtained his B.S. in Business Administration from Kent State University in 1954, where he proudly wore the fraternity pin of Phi Kappa Tau. After their marriage in 1957, Tom and Ruthie resided in Medina where he grew his successful commercial and residential construction business in Brunswick.

Under Tom’s leadership, the construction of Baldwin Wallace College Arts & Drama Center, Federation Towers, Madison High School, and other landmarks were built.

Tom and Ruthie shared a passion for breeding and showing registered Morgan horses. In the mid-1960s, they purchased a 250-acre farmstead in Lodi. Extensively renovating the 1830s farmhouse and barns, they established Black River Morgan Horse Farm, which became nationally renowned for its Morgan breeding program and numerous national show champions.

Tom served as President of both the Ohio Morgan Horse Association and the Lodi Rotary Club.

Visitation is planned for Friday, April 13, 2018, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road, Ontario, Ohio. A private funeral service and internment will be held Saturday, April 14, 2018 at the Apple Creek Cemetery.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.wappner.com.