"Richard Lee Ruble, 89, of Siloam Springs, passed away peacefully on August 16th, 2023

The youngest of 5, Richard was born December 16th, 1933 in Lexington, Virginia to his mother, Carrie.

Driven, determined and unwilling to give up, Richard attended numerous institutions and received a multitude of degrees. He first studied at Bryan College in Dayton, TN where he received his degree in history.  In addition to having a stellar academic record, Richard was also a prolific runner for the cross-country team during his time at Bryan. Following his undergraduate degree, Richard moved to Philadelphia and attended Faith Theological Seminary to receive his master's degree. Ever curious and eager to learn, he continued furthering his education at Dallas Theological Seminary, achieving a Doctorate of Theology. Richard acquired his second master's degree, this time in Psychology, from University of North Texas. Rounding out his academic career, Richard was hired as a professor of religion and psychology at John Brown University. While teaching, he completed his PhD in Psychology at the University of Arkansas. John Brown University became home to Richard. He pioneered the start of the Psychology Department in 1964, and by the end of his time he had worked as a professor of theology, professor of psychology, and as the Vice President of Academic Affairs.

It was at JBU that he met his wife, Anne Horton, to whom he was married for 57 years. A couple years following their marriage, Anne and Richard had their only child, Stephen. When asked how he would describe Richard as a father, Stephen remarked that he was "loving, caring, playful, engaging, present, attentive and a mentor". Some of Stephen's favorite memories with his father surrounded playing pickup basketball with the neighborhood kids, going to Lake Weddington to collect sticks, and having Sunday picnics after church. In his later years, Richard was an equally excellent grandfather, and spent as much time as he could with his granddaughters' playing games, singing songs, sharing his knowledge, and engaging in their lives.

A worldly man with a passion for God and spreading messages of love and kindness, Richard also served as the pastor at Highland Community Church for 30 years. When he wasn't preaching, studying, or spending time with family, you could find Richard traveling the world collecting artifacts and learning about the cultures that existed in Europe and the Middle East.

Richard is survived by his wife (Anne), son (Stephen), daughter in law (Lori) and two granddaughters (Ella and Olivia). He will be missed tremendously, and his family finds peace knowing that he finally has the answers to all of life's lingering questions.

Arrangements were entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home, 3926 Willowood Avenue, Springdale, Arkansas 72762. If you feel inclined to show your support financially, we ask that in lieu of flowers you send a donation to the Psychology Department at John Brown University. A small celebration of life will take place in December, with more details to come."