Kenneth Earl Ruhl

Kenneth Earl Ruhl, 88, passed peacefully in his sleep on December 09, 2024, in Poplar Bluff, Missouri.
Kenneth was born on May 2, 1936, to Earl and Geneva (Mixer) Ruhl in Liberty, Illinois.  He married Helena Mae (Watson) Ruhl on September 8, 1963, in Luray, Missouri.
Kenneth grew up and worked on the family farm in Illinois. He served in the U.S. Army from December 1955-November 1958, earning the rank of Corporal as a heavy equipment operator.  Early in their marriage, Kenneth and Helena moved and purchased their first farm in LaBelle, Missouri with their baby girl. In 1977, they moved and purchased their second farm in Qulin, Missouri, with all three children, so Kenneth could start rice farming. In the mid 80's, Kenneth transitioned into a new career as an owner/operator of a long-haul trucking operation. At the age of 85, Kenneth became an instructor at Three Rivers College for the Commercial Driver Training Program.
Kenneth had a passion for antique tractors and implements, especially Oliver; participating in tractor pulls as a young man and showing them in his later years. He was raised, baptized, attended, and served in a Christian church as a deacon, elder, and campgrounds volunteer. Kenneth was a Minuteman for Central Christian College of the Bible and longtime supporter of Mid-South Christian College, serving on the board of trustees.
Kenneth is survived by his wife of 61 years, Helena; siblings, Eva Beth Dismore, Leona (Bob) Mettemeyer, and Larry (Linda) Ruhl; three children, Becky (Brian) Hartwig, Tony (Sundy) Ruhl, Peggy (Jeffrey) Peterson; several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Geneva; his in-laws, Herbert and Alice Watson; and one brother-in-law, Wayne Dismore.
In lieu of flowers please send donations to Mid-South Christian College, 4540 Knight Arnold Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38118.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 13th, 2024, from 10:30 am - 11:30 am at Cotrell Willow Ridge Funeral & Cremation Services in Poplar Bluff, MO. Funeral services will immediately follow with Pastor Todd Allen officiating. Burial will take place at Kingston Cemetery in Liberty, Illinois on Saturday, December 14th, 2024.
Online condolences can be made at www.cwrfcs.com.