Aaron James Ruehle

Aaron mindfully constructed a life of profound integrity and great joy. The cornerstone of all he helped to build—a loving and happy family, enduring friendships, an extensive career in mental health—was tireless compassion.

Aaron was born in Flint, Michigan in 1954 to Lillian and Herman Ruehle. Aaron was the youngest in the family, following older siblings Elaine and Victor. He was lucky to have spent many childhood summers on his grandparents' farm, working and sweating, sleeping in the hay loft, and eating pie with cousins. Aaron’s dad died when he was just 5 years old, leaving a space that he would later fill for his own children.

Despite his father's early passing, and with the help of other strong role models like his mother, Aaron thrived within many varied social and professional pursuits. He was always an engaged listener who earnestly appreciated diverse perspectives; in this way, he learned a great deal and earned many opportunities to realize his goals of helping others. Educators and coaches recognized his ability as a caring mentor and recruited him to chaperone dances, referee games, and lead recreation programs. He taught himself a broad array of skills and helped to establish financial stability within his family by capitalizing on an exceptional and eclectic work ethic during his teenage years. He fried doughnuts, shoveled walks, baked pizzas, delivered papers, painted houses, roofed and renovated… and by applying that same strategic drive on his high school's football field, Aaron earned a full scholarship to study psychology at Olivet College. Once he'd become a team MVP, even after fracturing his neck on the field, Aaron kept contributing as a team player from the broadcast booth.

He went on to earn his master’s in counseling and an Education Specialist degree at the University of Virginia, where he met the love of his life. Jane noticed that Aaron was the only one in class wearing cutoff shorts and high-top Chuck Taylors. Aaron wooed Jane by cleaning out his pickup truck and touring her around the hot spots in Greene County. After graduating, they married and moved to Lynchburg. There they poured their combined energy and expertise into professionally enriching the lives of young people—and raising children Ben, Will, and Kate with the finesse befitting their vocations. Aaron's fathering transcended simple affectionate gestures: he consistently curated personalized learning experiences for each of his children, fostered in each a balance of positivity and critical awareness, and otherwise thoughtfully provided for all aspects of their well-being and fulfillment. Want to invite 15 friends over to play backyard football? Aaron officiated. Need a ridiculously large bamboo boat for a school play? Aaron built it. Want a custom easel that fits in your bedroom? Aaron listened to the requirements, measured twice, and helped construct.

Aaron welcomed and loved each of his children’s significant others. He was overjoyed to officiate the marriage of Ben to Catherine and Will to Carmen and considered himself lucky to get to know Bobby.

The same conscientious, soft-spoken enthusiasm Aaron lavished on his children he also loved to share with his grandchildren Mylo, Talah, and Nina; his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws; and his abundance of wonderful friends from all walks of life. Aaron made immeasurable humanitarian contributions in the broader community as a family therapist, coach, volunteer, and overall good neighbor. In his spare time, Aaron was a fisherman, river rider, reader, music lover, furniture refinisher, handyman, and sports fan.

Unfortunately, Aaron's retirement coincided with a cancer diagnosis, three years before he died at home in the company of his wife and children on Monday, May 26, 2025. A celebration of Aaron’s life will be held at a later date. If you would like to honor Aaron with a financial contribution, please consider an organization that supports the basic or social-emotional needs of children and families.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.