Vonnie Argen Ruple Jr. – San Diego Union-Tribune

Vonnie Argen Ruple Jr.

OBITUARY

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing ofVonnie Argen Ruple Jr., known affectionately by many as V.A., Von, and Rip. He passed away peacefully on April 2, 2025, at the age of 93, surrounded by his loving family in Poway, California.

Born on December 1, 1931, in Chualar, California, Vonnie spent much of his childhood in Little Rock, Arkansas. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and soon-to-be great-great-grandfather. His family was the cornerstone of his life, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wifeSybil Davis Ruple, to whom he was married for 67 wonderful years, as well as a brother and sister. Von and Sybil were high school sweethearts, marrying while still students–he a junior, and she a senior–at North Little Rock High School. Together, they built a beautiful life and raised one daughter,Deborah.

Vonnie enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1951 during the Korean War, serving as a plane captain and patrol bomber. Following his military service, Von held a variety of jobs that showcased his hands-on skill and tireless work ethic. He worked as a riveter for a steel mill, a railroad machinist for Missouri Pacific Railroad, and a U.S. Border Patrol officer in Texas. In 1959, Von and his family moved to Poway, California, where he worked as a missile test mechanic for Convair Astronautics until 1961.

That same year, he began his distinguished fire service career as a firefighter engineer for the Poway Municipal Water District. He quickly became known by the nicknames “Rip” and “Taz” for his strength and tenacity. Von was promoted toCaptain in 1963, then toAssistant Chief in 1975, a role he held until his retirement in 1982. Never one to stay still for long, he went on to serve asChief of the Ramona Fire Departmentfrom 1982 to 1983, before his final retirement.

Von was instrumental in the founding and development of the Poway Fire Department and played a key role in training generations of firefighters–many of whom would rise to become captains, assistant chiefs, and even chiefs themselves. His legacy in the fire service is deep and lasting.

In 1967, Von suffered severe burns during wildfires and was hospitalized for over two months, undergoing extensive skin grafts. During his recovery, he was visited by none other thanPastor Billy Graham, a moment that left a lasting impression.

Von’s dedication extended beyond the firehouse. He volunteered with theSan Diego Humane Societyand served as avolunteer sheriff deputyin Poway. A man of deep faith, he read his Bible daily–cover to cover, multiple times–and found great strength in his spirituality.

A true jack-of-all-trades, Von could fix or build anything. His hobbies includedstained glass work, carpentry, gardening, and he was especially proud of hisprize tomatoes.

Debbie fondly remembers frequent family trips to the desert, where they rode dune buggies and made lifelong memories. After retirement, Von and Sybil traveled extensively in their RV, including many trips to North Carolina to visit their eldest granddaughter and great-grandchildren. Remarkably, he made hisfinal solo RV trip at age 86, just shy of his 87th birthday.

Von is survived by his loving sister Jean of Arkansas, his daughter Debbieand her husband Paul Loska of Ramona, CA, and his cherished grandchildren:Robyn Wolfeand husbandCraigof North Carolina;Allyson Bowersand husbandJadeof Utah;Kristyn Coxand husbandWayneof California;Daniel Loskaof Idaho;Shea Loskaof Virginia; andLauryn Loskaof California. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren:Turner and Taelyr Jacksonof North Carolina,Ella and Oliviaof Utah, andKennedy, Anthony, and Lukeof California.

Von’s legacy is one of devotion–to his family, his community, and his faith. He will be dearly missed by his family, his many friends, and especially his dear lifelong friendsAnn Wills, Lavine Powell, Bill Briscoe, Harvey Latshaw and Joanne Herman.

A privategraveside servicewill be held atDearborn Cemeteryin Poway at11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025. Apublic celebration of lifewill follow atPoway Fire Station 3at1:00 p.m., and all who wish to honor his memory are welcome to attend.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Von’s honor toAlzheimer’s San Diegoand/or theSan Diego Humane Society.