Karen J. Ruble

Karen Josephine Ruble, 68, of Worthington, Ohio, passed away on September 28, 2026, in Delaware, Ohio. She was born on April 5, 1958, in Youngstown, Ohio, the daughter of the late Joseph and Janet (Ketchel) Matuscak.

Karen was preceded in death by her daughters, Karissa J. Hibbler and Sarah Ruble; her first husband, James M. Ruble; her sister, Nancy (Matuscak) Tackett; her parents; and her many beloved fur babies. Karen is survived by her three children, Jennifer Ruble (Malcolm Scott), James (Tenisha) Ruble, and Thomas (Chelsea) Ruble; six grandchildren, Adriana, Malayah, Makiyah, Elliot, Jaxon, and Gabriel; her brother, Stephen Matuscak; her ex-husband Jack Hibbler; and her three kitties, Lucy, Sally, and Soloman.

Karen graduated Magna Cum Laude from Youngstown State University. She was a trailblazer for women in IT, successfully paving the way in what was a male-dominated industry at the time. She built a successful career as a database administrator, working with several leading financial and technology firms throughout her career.

Karen was known for her love of animals, especially the many rescued dogs and cats she welcomed into her life over the years. She enjoyed fostering animals and volunteering with local rescues. She loved shopping and never passed up a good sale. She loved Christmas time and enjoyed a friendly competition with her brother for the best holiday decorations each year. She loved her coffee and snuggling up with a good book or true-crime show. She was undeniably resilient and somehow always managed to maintain a smile in the face of adversity. She was empathetic and the best listener—a shoulder to cry on when someone needed it. She had a huge heart and will be remembered for her generosity, patience, and kindness.

Karen was most proud of her children—the lives they built and the kind of parents they became. Her love and adoration for her children and grandchildren filled her heart, and her family was her greatest source of pride and joy.

Please join Karen’s family for a Celebration of her Heavenly Homecoming on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Schoedinger Funeral Home Worthington Chapel, 6699 N. High Street in Worthington, Ohio. Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., with a memorial service immediately following from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m.

A private committal service will be held at Mifflin Township Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to “His Hands Extended Sanctuary” at 1560 Dialton Rd, St. Paris, OH 43072 or online at https://hhesclinic.wixsite.com/animal-sanctuary/donate