Dr. Paul R. Ruden

Dr. Paul Robert Ruden, born December 25, 1939, to Peter and Hazel Ruden, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Thursday, August 29th. Paul was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana with his twin brother Peter, and sister Barbara. The family later moved to Winamac, Indiana and ran an ice cream shop together. The twins graduated from Winamac High School in 1958. Peter, who was born three hours before Paul, sadly also recently passed just over a month ago.

Paul graduated from Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1965 as part of the third graduating class. He was proud to have paid his own way through college and vet school as an RA while a full-time student. He and his future wife Katharyne Lane met while she was working as a dietician in the Purdue dining halls, and then married in 1966. The two shared a loving marriage, living in Indianapolis and then moving to Zionsville where they continued to raise their three children.  Paul faced the biggest challenge of his life when Kathy fell ill, and he cared for her with love and devotion until her passing in 2001. 

After graduation, Paul began his career in veterinary practice in Chicago before enlisting in the Army. As a captain stationed at Fort Collins in Colorado Springs during the Vietnam War, he was charged with and excelled at caring for and treating sentry dogs. Following his service, they moved to Indianapolis and Paul became an early member of the veterinary partnership formed by Drs. Decker and Stengel, co-owning the Lafayette Road and West 56th Street Veterinary Hospitals. He was known for his direct, no-nonsense approach when providing excellent care for animals and their owners. He retired from a thriving practice at the age of 65.

In 2008, Paul married Elaine Dickerson, and they have lived together in Lebanon for the last 16 years. Elaine has become a much-cherished part of the family providing love, happiness, and devoted caring. Paul’s life was marked by a deep unyielding quiet pride in his family. In addition to Elaine, he is survived by his sister Barbara (late Richard) Turcsany, son John (Kelley), daughter Susan Jacob (Jeff), son Jim (Emily), and stepson, Kevin (Lynette) Garling. His grandchildren include Tim, Natalie, Hannah, Victoria, Matt, Cole, Will, Kate, and Hunter; step grandchildren Nicholas (Bridget) and Joseph, and two step great-grandchildren Christian and Adilyn.

Paul loved spending time outside, especially on the water including the Tippecanoe River, Dale Hollow Lake, and Lake Freeman. He enjoyed bird hunting over a good dog, playing golf, fishing the Canadian boundary waters, observing deer and birds in their backyard, and cheering on the Purdue basketball and football teams.  He especially enjoyed bantering with Elaine about their IU/Purdue rivalry. 

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His (and Kathy’s) legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, both human and animal alike. 

“A man ought to do what he thinks is best.” (John Wayne – Hondo).

Donations in Paul’s name can be made to NMDP (formally Be The Match) by clicking here.