IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Dixie Lee

Dixie Lee Ruble Profile Photo

Ruble

April 11, 1941 – October 7, 2025

Obituary

Dixie Allen Ruble, 84, of Indianola, Iowa, passed away peacefully early in the morning of October 7, 2025, surrounded by her family. Dixie brought tremendous compassion, joy, and unwavering faith to everyone blessed to know her.

Born April 17, 1941 in rural Warren County, Dixie was the daughter of Bill and Dorothy Allen. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Steven and Leslie Allen; and her beloved son-in-law, Dr. John Kim.

Dixie graduated from Indianola High School, where she served as class president, and went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Simpson College in 1963. On December 22, 1962, she married the love of her life, Gary Lawrence Ruble. Together they built a home filled with laughter, love, and faith, raising two children, who adored her as the most devoted and inspiring mother imaginable.

A gifted educator and mentor, Dixie dedicated her career to teaching and coaching at Indianola Public Schools, where she touched countless lives. She founded the tradition of flag football for junior and senior high school girls during homecoming, was head coach for the volleyball team, and was an assistant track coach who helped lead the Indianola girls team to three consecutive state championships. Many of her students affectionately called her "Mom," a testament to the care, encouragement, and wisdom she shared. Her lifelong commitment to education was honored with her induction into the Indianola Wall of Distinction as a Notable Educator in 2015.

Dixie was deeply involved in her community. She mentored student teachers, served on the Substance Abuse Council, and was a founding member of the Carousel Theater. She also served as president of the Tri Delta Alumni Association, Simpson Guild, and the Indianola Park and Recreation Board. A proud member of P.E.O. Chapter BP and Clio Club, Dixie gave her time and heart generously to every cause she touched.

In her final years, Dixie was surrounded by extraordinary love and devotion from her husband, Gary, who never left her side. His tireless care, both at home and during her time in the care center, was a reflection of the deep and steadfast bond they shared throughout their 62 years of marriage.

Above all, Dixie's greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Gary; her daughter Katherine (Katie) and her husband, Dr. Thomas Wilson; and her son, Dr. Matthew Ruble, and his husband, Josh Todd. She was the proud grandmother of Anya and her husband, Jonathan Green, and Elias Sullivan-Kim and his wife, Olivia Sullivan-Kim. Dixie's family and friends will forever cherish her spirit of kindness, humor, and grace, along with how she made everyone feel seen, valued, and loved.

The family has been tremendously moved and grateful to The Village Care Center and WesleyLife Hospice for the compassionate care they provided for Dixie. They are also so thankful to be blessed with the precious friends and family who visited Dixie at home and at The Village.

A Celebration of Dixie's life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, October 10, 2025 at the Indianola First United Methodist Church with burial following in the Ackworth Cemetery, Ackworth, Iowa. Visitation will be held prior to services from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Simpson College or the First United Methodist Church of Indianola.

Her light, faith, and laughter will live on in all whose lives she touched.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Dixie Lee Ruble, please visit our flower store.

Services

Visitation

Calendar
October
10

Indianola First United Methodist Church

307 West Ashland Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125

9:00 - 11:00 am

Celebration of Life

Calendar
October
10

Indianola First United Methodist Church

307 West Ashland Avenue, Indianola, IA 50125

Starts at 11:00 am

Dixie Lee Ruble's Guestbook

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