Emogene Ruple

Emogene Ruple, beloved and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend to many, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on March 12, 2026. She was born on May 25, 1933, to George and Ruby Hughes in Stephens, Arkansas. As the eldest of six children, she learned early what it meant to care for others, helping her parents raise her younger siblings and developing the heart of a homemaker that would define much of her life.

After graduating from high school, she married A.L. Ruple, a classmate who proposed to her by letter while serving in the Air Force. Their marriage spanned 65 wonderful years and took them to Florida, Germany, and eventually back to Arkansas. Together they adopted two daughters, Angela and Elizabeth, and Emogene embraced motherhood with her whole heart, finding deep joy in caring for and guiding her girls.

Throughout her life she worked several jobs, most notably as cafeteria manager at Arkansas High, where her remarkable talent for cooking allowed her to nourish others with both food and warmth. Her faith in God remained at the center of her life; she served on church committees, sang in the choir, and helped wherever needed. A gifted seamstress, avid gardener, and exceptional cook, she also found quiet delight in bird watching and the simple beauty of creation.

After retirement, she and A.L. moved to Lewisville, Arkansas, to help care for her parents. During that time she faced cancer twice with courage and strength, even while battling the same illness as her father. She also took on the loving role of raising her granddaughter Ashley from the time she was four months old, attending every school event, sewing costumes for plays, and ensuring three home-cooked meals appeared on the table each day with quiet devotion.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ruby Hughes; her husband, A.L. Ruple; her daughter, Elizabeth Aaron; her grandson, Cody Pierce; and her brothers, James Hughes, George Hughes, Jerry Hughes, and Kenneth Hughes.

She is survived by her daughter, Angela (Jim) Hansard; her granddaughters, Ashley (Clint) Richardson, Sarah Forsythe, Aimee (Cody) Gardner, and Heather (Margaux) Masson-Forsythe; her grandsons, William Aaron and Bryce (Anna) Hansard; her four great-grandchildren, Rhett and Emmett Richardson and Aidan and Adaliene Gardner; her sister, Shirley Jaehnke; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.