He leaves behind his wife of 33 years, Diane (Link) Ruble; his two daughters, Stephanie Ruble, and Marlene Zambrana; two grandchildren, Logan Zambrana and Colby Jane Zambrana; his mother, Billie Ruble and brother, Brad Ruble; and large extended family and many close friends.
He was born in Dinuba, CA on February 3, 1954 to Arlie and Billie Ruble. He was the eldest of 4 brothers. He spent his early years in Madera, where he graduated from Madera High School in 1972. Art was a longtime resident of Clovis and Fresno.
Art attended California State University Fresno from 1972 to 1976 where he earned his BA in Geography. As a Bulldog, Arthur excelled in the aquatic arena. He was a three-time All-American swimmer who broke and held ten of Fresno State’s all time individual records as well as three relay team records. In his 4 years as a Bulldog, Arthur took 1st place sixty-eight times. He also excelled at waterpolo. In 1976 he was named Fresno State Athlete of the Year and earned 8 letters in swimming and waterpolo. Art was the first Bulldog swimmer to win conference titles and All-Conference honors in swimming and waterpolo.
In 1975 Arthur secured a spot on the American relay team for the PanAm games. His gold medal is proudly displayed in his family home.
Art and Diane met on a blind date on July 4, 1985. Arthur married Diane in 1986 after a 9 month long-distance courtship. They made a home in Clovis, CA where they raised their daughters and welcomed their son, Brian in 1990. Brian was Art’s pride and joy. His heart was broken in 1995 when Brian went home to the Lord after fighting a 2 ½ year battle with cancer.
Arthur worked for Blue Diamond Almond Growers for over 25 years and ran a grafting business with his brother Brad. When Art left Blue Diamond he went to work for Dave Wilson Nursery. He was an Almond Specialist and salesman. Art was well known throughout the United States and internationally as a Master Grafter.
Arthur was a member of Quail Lake Community Church in Sanger, with his wife Diane. His faith in God was strong, and he knew that he would be reunited with his son Brian, and his Savior when his time on earth was done.
Visitation will be held at Boice Funeral Home in Clovis on Thursday, January 9th from 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, January 10th at 1:00 p.m. at Mountain View Church which is located at 3600 N. Fowler Ave, Fresno CA, 93727.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to World Vision; a charity that was dear to Arthur’s heart. worldvision.org
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.boicefuneralhome.com for the Ruble family.
