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 quickly learned what it meant to care for others. She helped her parents raise her younger siblings and, along the way, learned the skills and heart of a homemaker that would define so much of her life.

For a time, she considered becoming a missionary, feeling a strong pull to serve others. But life had its own path in store for her. After graduating from high school, she married A.L. Ruple, a boy she had met in school. While he was serving in the Air Force, he wrote her a letter asking her to marry him. She said yes, beginning an adventure together that would span 65 wonderful years.

The Air Force carried them across the world-to Florida, Germany, and eventually back home to Arkansas. Along the way they built a life together but felt their family was not yet complete. They adopted two daughters, Angela and Elizabeth, and she embraced motherhood with her whole heart. Being a mother came naturally to her, and she loved every moment of caring for and guiding her girls.

Throughout her life she held several jobs, but her final one, as cafeteria manager at Arkansas High, truly showcased one of her special gifts-cooking. She had a remarkable talent for feeding people, not just with good food but with the warmth and care that came with it. Her faith in God was always at the center of her life. She faithfully served on church committees, sang in the choir, and helped wherever she was needed. She lived her faith through service, kindness, and a willingness to give of herself. She was a woman of many talents-a gifted seamstress, an avid gardener, and an exceptional cook. She also loved bird watching, finding joy in the simple beauty of God's creation.

After retirement, she and her husband moved to Lewisville, Arkansas, so she could help care for her parents. During that time, she discovered that she and her father were battling the same cancer. With determination and strength, she fought cancer not once but twice-and won. Even through her own battles, she continued to care for her parents faithfully until their passing.

Her heart for family never wavered. During this time, she also took on the role of raising her granddaughter, Ashley, from the time she was just four months old. She poured her love and energy into making sure Ashley had everything she needed. She never missed a school event, lovingly sewed costumes for school plays, and made sure she was present for every important moment. No matter what life brought, she made sure her family was cared for. There were always three meals a day-breakfast, lunch, and dinner-prepared with love and served with the quiet devotion that defined her life.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ruby Hughes, 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.

Her life was a testament to faith, love, and selfless devotion, and while she now rests peacefully in the presence of the Lord, the legacy she built through her family and the countless lives she touched will continue to live on for generations.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Manor in Little Rock for the care they provided during her time there, and the Woodland Heights Community, the place she last called home, for warmly wrapping their arms around her.

There will be a graveside service at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock at 12:00pm on Thursday, March 19th, 2026.

Flowers may be sent to A Natural State Funeral Service in Jacksonville.