Donna Joan Ruble was born January 4, 1929, in Marion, Indiana, and passed away on August 31, 2026, at the age of 97. Joan lived in Bluffton, Indiana for many years. Throughout her life, Joan was known for a steady kindness and a compassionate spirit.
She graduated from Salamonie Township High School in Warren, Indiana. She was employed at Caylor-Nickel Clinic in Bluffton, Indiana, and later retired from CTS in Berne, Indiana.
Joan was a member of Bluffton Methodist Church and the Eastern Star Chapter of Bluffton, Indiana.
She found joy in simple, meaningful pleasures—gardening and flowers, bridge club, and cooking. She loved animals of all kinds, and took special delight in feeding and watching the birds. An avid reader, she especially enjoyed mystery novels, and she was also an IU fan.
Joan is survived by her daughters, Patty (Ron) Schrock of Fort Wayne, IN, and Sue (Bob) Bobay of Auburn, IN; her granddaughters, Lisa (Terran) McNear of Roanoke, IN, and Stephanie (Rick) Frye of Kendallville, IN; and eight great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by both parents, Gail and June Gibson, and her sister, Stella Mae, who passed away at a very young age.
A Memorial Gathering will be held at D.O. McComb & Sons Funeral Homes - Pine Valley, 1320 East Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825, on September 17, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
A private family graveside service will be at a later date in Woodlawn Cemetery in Warren, Indiana.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Bluffton Animal Shelter or the Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (located at the Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis).
