Barbara Ruppel
July 3, 1943 ~ November 11, 2020
Barbara Margaret Ruppel, MSW, LISW, 77, died on November 11, 2020, of heart-related complications. She was born in Elgin, Illinois, on July 3, 1943.
Surviving Barb are her sisters, Carla Wiedemann, Debbie (Bob) Reed, and Sara (Ted) Larkin; her sister-in-law, Lesley Weirich; brother-in-law Paul (Anne) Ruppel; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews, as well as grandnieces and -nephews. She is also survived by her treasured cat, Aurora. Barb was preceded in death by her beloved Howard, her husband of 49 years, as well as her parents, Margaret and Joseph Wiedemann.
Barb had many friends and enjoyed hosting them over the years at her warm and welcoming home in Mount Vernon. Barb was a world traveler, starting at age 19 with a long trip through the Middle East, Europe, and North Africa. In later years, she traveled with Howie to places such as Hawaii, Paris, and the Great Wall of China. She and Howie also loved seeing the latest musicals, and for many summers they attended the Bix Jazz Festival in Davenport.
Barb touched the lives of many during her career in social work, earning her master's as she worked. Barb was a family therapist and then Executive Director of Families, Inc. from 1976'2001. She then worked in private practice and for other agencies as she accompanied Howie during his work in San Francisco and when she returned to Iowa in 2004. Barb was still doing the work she loved as a therapist at the Abbe Center for Community Mental Health at the time of her death.
Barb enjoyed caring for the many cats who graced her life over the years. She was an avid reader of mysteries and loved to swim. She will be buried with Howie in Wheaton, Illinois, alongside other departed relatives. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Donations in Barb's honor may be made to the Huntington's Disease Society of America in honor of her relatives who are still battling this disease and those she has lost to it, or to a charity of your choice. Barb's family requests no flowers.
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I have so many wonderful memories with Barb they’d fill a book. I know she’s now with Howie and probably planning the holidays together. Love her and will miss her. Ana
We were fortunate to meet Barb thru friends and attended a few parties at her home. Barb was a beautiful soul. Fond memories of Barb and Howie. Guy
We were fortunate to meet Barb thru friends and attended a few parties at her home. Barb was a beautiful soul. Fond memories of Barb and Howie. Guy
I will miss you my friend. Aurora, I’m so sorry about your mommy. Karen French coworker
Connie and I shared many 4th of July celebrations, New Year’s Eve parties and dinner parties in between with Howie and Barb. Barb always tried to keep Howie’s stories short and sweet but we enjoyed Howie’s longer version. So sorry to hear about Barb’s passing. Howie and Barb were a delightful and fun couple. I am sure they are enjoying being together now. Harland and Connie Garvin
Barb Ruppel had an infectious, but sincere laugh. Barb Ruppell was the kind of lady that would never brag about the great things in her life she has done, but mention them in a cool, causal way. Barb made me a better therapist and her passing is a grave loss to the mental health community. Barb you are with your Howie, rest easy. Karen Bierman coworker, friend and mentee.
Barb and Howie were two people who truly defined the “spice of life” through their vibrant and outgoing and sometimes quirky personalities. During the years we all lived in Mt. Vernon I remember their hospitality, friendliness, and inquisitiveness. A favorite memory was their occasional pastime of watching people flock to the blue light specials at Kmart. They truly studied the human condition. You all are well-remembered and appreciated, and my condolences to their family and friends.
Years ago I met Barb and Howie when living across the street. Barb cared for any and all cats roaming the neighborhood. They were a warm and fun-loving couple, and will be missed.
I will miss seeing Barb’s smile and hearing about what Aurora has been up to since my last visit. It was a privilege to pet sit for Aurora when Barb traveled. My most recent visits were after Barb had foot surgery and we would have a chat while I was there. I will plant a tree in Barb’s memory this spring to remember her.
Barb hired me as a young professional and it became clear that she had confidence in others, when sometimes others were lacking. A gifted therapist and mentor. I recall Howie crashed a meeting bringing , among other items, a loaf of french bread. Barb would giggle with some embarrassment but mostly having fun. It was not Howies baking skills that were being discussed. Fun couple. Rest in peace. Many thanks for building confidence and having fun along the way. Joe
Barb was a wonderful and valued counselor who worked with me and my family at Anne Center and we are all thankful for the time she spent with us.
I will very much miss her smiling face and how I enjoyed our conversations at the Abbe Center. Prayers to her family
Barb was a light in a very dark tunnel for our son who was her patient. He is on the autism spectrum. He had a previous therapist but there was no compassion. Barb encouraged our son, helped him with his many issues, and when he left her office he was always smiling and felt wonderful. I don’t think she ever knew how beneficial her therapy was to him. Both he and I will miss her tremendously. Barb was just pure joy.