Obituaries
Bobby Ruble, 79
December 12, 2018
Bobby Ruble, 79, of Washington Boro, passed away at Lancaster General Hospital, Wednesday, December 12, 2018, following a brief illness. Born in Dayton, OH, Bobby was the son of the late Harry T. and Mildred (Parnell). He was the loving husband of Shirley Ann (Gebhard) Ruble, with whom he would have celebrated 59 years of marriage on December 24.
A true patriot, Bobby proudly served in the US Navy for 30 years and attained the highest rank of an enlisted sailor as a Command Master Chief (BMCM). Bobby retired from active duty on December 1, 1986. In his retirement, he joined the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter #1008 and served one term as the Commander of the Navy Club of Lancaster, Ship #166. Bobby also found great pleasure in educating students in area high schools on the History of the Vietnam War era. His story, as recorded in radio and TV interviews, has been recorded in the annals of the Library of Congress. Bobby also enjoyed spending time salt-water fishing in Key West, FL.
In addition to his wife, Bobby is survived by his three children: Jody L. Ruble-Eisenbise, of Elizabethtown; Bobby E. Ruble, husband of Staci, of Key West, FL; and Jennifer L. Mezick, wife of William, of Fairless Hills, PA; five grandchildren: Kelsea, Kolby, Bobby Jr., Lauryn, and Liam; and sisters: Bobbette Hemmingsen, wife of Cleve and Mary S. Cochran, wife of Gary. Bobby was preceded in death by his brother, Harry E. Ruble.
Memorial Services for Bobby will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions in Bobby’s memory be made to PA Wounded Warriors at www.pawoundedwarriors.org.
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Condolences to the Family
September 07, 2021
Just watched Mr Ruble on Voices of Veterans on PCN …a very good interview of a real Patriot!
RIP Thank you for your service!
Mark Maher
December 20, 2018
So sorry to have read of the passing of Shipmate Bobby Ruble. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Shirley and the family.
Bobby was the Command Master Chief at NAS Key West and pinned on my anchors at the 1980 CPO advancement ceremony.
Ironically, I was born and raised in Columbia, worked with Bobby and lived as neighbors on Spaulding Court for three years and never made a connection between Washington Boro and Columbia. It is indeed a small world.
Fair Winds and Following Seas,
Harry Shenk ETCM(SW) USN Ret.
December 17, 2018
I got to know Bobby when he worked security at RR Donnelley. He was the guy who started your day off right with a smile and friendly greeting when you came in each day. Always willing to help out, always with a smile on his face. A terrific person who made the world a little nicer. God bless you, Bobby. Thanks for being there for us.
December 17, 2018
I am so sorry to hear this news. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Bob used to come into Hinkles where I worked for years with his lovely wife and I always enjoyed talking with them both. May he rest in peace!!
December 16, 2018
So sorry to hear this news Mary. Thinking of you and praying for you.
December 16, 2018
Will miss you Bob very much! R.I.P.
December 14, 2018
Dear Shirley and family, We are so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you during this time.
Love, John, Callie, Peyton & Haley Witmer
December 14, 2018
Sending you love and support. I’m so sorry Jody. Know that I’m here for you.
December 14, 2018
Sending love and prayers – what a man!! Much to be proud of and lots of loving memories to hold on too! God Speed! Lisa McGregor Clark
