Leslie Joanne Ruble, 54, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, January 26, 2024. Leslie was born in Rushville, on April 14, 1969, to Linda Mae Counceller Barton and Richard Ivan Lee Ruble.

Leslie cherished her family and friends. She loved the holidays sitting at the table, doodling, and watching all the commotion. Those that knew her also knew that all conversations started with asking about Mr. Hays. And when people said they knew him, she let out a big laugh. Leslie was a trend setter. She loved silver jewelry and wearing rings on all fingers. Mr. T was an inspiration that led to showcasing numerous necklaces at once getting lots of attention. She loved 1980s music and spent hours listening to Duran Duran. She loved old sitcoms and had an old-timey radio that she called a "canned ham." Leslie left a smile on everyone's face.

Leslie was also an influence on others. Fifty-one years ago, when she was diagnosed with autism at age 3, she and her mother Linda would forge a path that would open opportunities for the countless people with disabilities behind them. She was the first person with autism and intellectual disability to have a supported employment job in Indiana. Leslie will be deeply missed, but we have comfort knowing she will live in our memories, teachings, stories, and the work we do for others.

Leslie is survived by her parents, Richard Ruble, of Albany, and Linda Barton and Tom Barton of Indianapolis; her sisters, Lisa Ruble (James Graham) of Louisville, Kentucky, and Lori Ruble of Indianapolis; her brothers, Matt Barton (Joshua Vanderbur) of Indianapolis, James Ruble  (Tonya) of Metamora, and Shane Ruble of Laurel; step siblings, Lisa Hubbard (Bill) of Shelbyville and Sharon Fox (Wayne) of Hope;  nephews, Jacob Ruble of South Korea (USAF) and Dakota Smith (Brooke) of Austin, Texas; little grandniece, Isabella Smith of Austin, Texas; and many other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her stepmother Sue Ruble.

Visitation will be from 4:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday January 31, 2024, at Urban Winkler Funeral Home in Connersville.  Funeral services will be held on Thursday February 1, 2024, at 11:00 am at the funeral home.  Burial will follow at Dale Cemetery.

Donations can be made to the Ball State University Foundation (note the Leslie Joanne Ruble Special Education Scholarship) online at www.bsu.edu/give