David Leland Ruhl

Ruhl, David Leland 88, of Aurora, passed away Saturday, January 3, 2015 at Jennings Terrace. He was born on May 11, 1926 on a farm in Hannibal, MO, the son of William and Melvina Ruhl. He graduated from Rensselaer High School. When he was courting his future wife of 53 years, he created adaptations on his car so that his polio-challenged Jackie could drive. They were married on May 20, 1951 in Mount Vernon, IL. He worked at the Montgomery Plant of Western Electric (WE) in Quality Assurance and as an Electrical Engineer for 30 years. He could fix, engineer, or build almost anything. He built his and Jackie's dream home in Oswego. Formal and informal lifelong education was highly valued. He read the entire encyclopedia when he was a young student. He earned his bachelor degree from Aurora College in 1977, the same year that his daughter, Barb, graduated from U of I. He was an active citizen, corresponding to his elected officials, and to the community through the Beacon-News Letters to the Editor. Classical music was a passion, and he loved attending orchestra, choir, opera, and dance performances. He also enjoyed travel, reading, writing his memoirs, gardening and his Cub tractor, belonging to the Antique Telephone Collectors Association, working through the Telephone Pioneers with projects such as refurbishing bicycles for children, and arranging high school and WE reunions. His children will fondly remember a husband devoted to his wife's care, and a loving father who provided many opportunities including musical experiences, family trips, Sunday drives, service to others, and experience in the building trades. God's faithful servant was always willing to give generously of his time and talents to anyone with a need. David is survived by his daughters, Barb (Tim) Duez and Sue (Alan) Hard; his grandchildren, Sam (Alice) Hard, Ben Hard, Karen Hard, Stephanie (Chad) Suhr, and Sarah (Anthony) Puleo; great-grandchildren, Kim and Liam Hard; brothers, Melvin (Lena) Ruhl, Jim (Barbara) Ruhl; sisters, Mary Miller, Dorothy Mastin, and Margaret (Ed) Botkin; brother and sisters-in-law, Kenny (Nada) Williams, Ann Williams, and Jane Williams; many dear cousins, nieces, and nephews; close friends and frequent visitors, Amber Schultz, Judd Peter, Mark Flory-Steury, Hal Young, and Lloyd Shipman. He is reunited with his parents and wife; in-laws, Johnson and Lucille Williams; a sister, Alice Swank; brothers-in-law, B.G. Swank, Bill Miller, Layton Mastin, Harold Williams, and John Williams; sister-in-law, Maryhelen Williams; a niece; and two nephews. David's family would like to thank the staff of Jennings Terrace for the loving and personal care given to David for the past 5 years. He especially enjoyed the Sunday services there. A private burial will occur at Lincoln Memorial Park. A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at the Neighborhood Church of the Brethren in Boulder Hill with a wake at 10:00 and a service officiated by Pastor Mark Flory-Steury at 11:00. Memorials may be made in his honor to Neighborhood Church of the Brethren, Wesley Methodist Church in Aurora, Hydesburg Methodist Church in Hannibal, Jennings Terrace, or WTTW/WFMT of Chicago. www.beveragefamilyfh.com.