Stephen A. Ruyle, 77, of Meredosia, IL, died Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

He was born February 15, 1947, to Hubert and Zelma (Allen) Ruyle. Stephen married Carolyn Evonne Gobel on October 15, 1967, at Meredosia Methodist Church, and she survives.

He is also survived by three sons, Scott (Kim) Ruyle of Chapin, Justin Ruyle of Oxville, and Chris Ruyle of Meredosia; four grandchildren, Mariah Stinson (Deston Athey) of Columbia, MO, Joel Stinson of Champaign, Brandon Leverton of Mt. Sterling, and Hayley Leverton of Fayetteville, NC; four great grandchildren, Bentley, Ryleigh, Finnegan, and Asher; sister, Debbie (Bob) Spoon of Meredosia; niece, April (Alex) Desoller of Beardstown; and two brothers-in-law, Gary (Brenda) Gobel of Versailles and Jerry Wayne (Tammy) Gobel of Osage Beach, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Vickie Barfield.

Stephen graduated from Meredosia High School in 1965. He then attended SIU Carbondale before being drafted into the U.S. Army. Stephen served for a total of five years, with two years of active duty in Vietnam from 1967 – 1969. During his time with the Army, Mr. Ruyle received a Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman Badge. He was a Sharpshooter (Rifle) and First Class Gunner (M60MG).

Stephen worked as an operating engineer for C.I.P.S. in Meredosia, now Ameren. During high school, he worked at Hopper Hobbs Plumbing. He also worked at Grant's Construction with his dad, Hubert "Dinks."

Stephen enjoyed collecting oil cans and antiques. He was a STL Cardinals fan. He loved going to the Covered Bridge Festival in Rockville, IN, every year. Once home from the festival, he would go ahead and book next year's festival trip.

A graveside memorial service will be held at Oakland Cemetery in Meredosia on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 2 pm. Memorial donations are suggested to the Meredosia American Legion or the Meredosia Rescue Squad. The Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left online at buchanancody.com.