Thomas Joseph Ruble

Thomas Joseph Ruble, 79, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away February 1, 2024, at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. He was born in Huntington, IN to the late John L Ruble and Avis (Williams) Ruble. After graduating from Indiana University Law School in 1972, Tom opened his civil law practice focused on probate, business, and family matters. He was intent on serving his clients to the best of his ability, blending compassion for their circumstances with his expertise in the courtroom. He retired after 37 years.

Tom married Pamela J (Wentland), his young bride and best friend, June 28^th, 1969. They were blessed with 54 years of growing together, supporting each other, sharing adventures, and proudly watching their children and grandchildren grow.

Tom had many talents and interests besides his legal work. Thanks to growing up on a farm, he could be counted on to fix just about anything and never hesitated to take on major home, car, and yard projects. Music was central his whole life: solos at school and church, Singing Hoosiers at IU, and church choirs throughout his adult life. He loved to ramp up the volume on all types of music – show tunes, instrumentals, choral, classical. His chocolate chip cookies became the gold standard for friends and family, he regularly solved expert-level Sudoku puzzles, and he seldom (if ever) lost a game of pool.

In his 50s, Tom discovered Soar Indy, central Indiana’s soaring club. It satisfied his lifetime love for flying and his daring nature. For 20 years, he participated in the club by serving on the board, encouraging it growth, developing close friendships, and mastering flight without an engine. In 1997 he bought his own glider, and like a kid at Christmas, was thrilled by the independence and challenges it offered.

Above all, Tom was faithful to his family and his faith. He was devoted to and so proud of his children, supporting their interests, attending school events, modeling patience, perseverance, strong values, and selflessness. He supported Pam’s second career 100%, applauding her choices and accepting the chance to display his highly competent domestic skills.

Tom’s faith was simple but sure, confident in his Christian beliefs, in heaven for eternity. But his mind also loved to wrestle with the magnitude of the universe, the cosmos, and time before time. So many questions! He loved his church and worshipping there, but struggled to understand, “Where exactly is God?” Tom was simply a good and faithful man, reflecting his love for God in his care for others.

Rest in peace, Tom.

Listen to me…I have cared for you since you were born.
Yes, I carried you before you were born. I will be your God throughout your lifetime—
until your hair is white with age. I made you, and I will care for you. I will carry you along and save you.  Isaiah 14: 3 & 4

Tom is survived by his wife, Pam; children Adam (Zionsville), Nathan (Indianapolis), and Meghan (Carmel). His 3^rd son, Matthew, preceded him in death in 2011. Grandchildren: Olivia, Ella and Abigail Ruble; Henry and Hugh Harrison.

Tom was also preceded in death by his brother, David, and sister, Sara.

The family has planned a private service. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to:

Lutheran Child & Family Service – Sharing Place Food Pantry: 1525 N Ritter Ave, Indpls, IN 46219

Cross & Crown Lutheran Church Foundation: 5233 E 79^th St., Indpls, IN 46250

Center for Healthy Aging: 8424 Naab Rd, Suite 1L, Indpls, IN 46260

Tom’s online guest book and condolences can be shared online with the family at www.indianafuneralcare.com. Indiana Funeral Care and Crematory is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements.