EARL C. RULEY

Wasilla resident Earl Clinton Ruley 72, died at his home of natural causes May 2, 2004.

A graveside service with full military honors was held Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Wasilla Aurora Cemetery.

Mr. Ruley was born April 22, 1932, in Barboursville, W.Va.

He was a high school graduate. Mr. Ruley served in the U.S. Army and the Army National Guard.

He moved to Alaska in 1969 and lived in Anchorage before moving to Wasilla.

Mr. Ruley worked as an electrician on the Alaska Railroad from 1971 until his retirement in 1985.

He was a member of the National Rifle Association.

His hobbies included firearms, hunting, fishing and reading.

His family wrote, "A naturally talented person, Earl Ruley was a loving family man who could lift people's spirits in any situation. A gifted story-teller, he could always find an anecdote to brighten someone's day. He enjoyed the simple pleasure of sitting with his family playing music on his harmonica. A man of the great outdoors, he loved taking his family camping, hunting and fishing. In our memory and our hearts, our love for him will live on."

Mr. Ruley is survived by his wife Hana Ruley; children and their spouses, Jon Steven Ruley, Betty Lauretta and James Day and James Franklin and Rose Ruley; grandchildren Michael Day, Melissa Day, Heather Ruley, Jeffrey Ruley, Angela Ruley, J.J. Ruley, Rachael Ruley, Mathew Ruley and Sean Ruley; sisters Mary Radcliff and Bonnie Martin; and brothers Johnny Ruley, Charlie Ruley and Roy Ruley.

Arrangements were made by Valley Funeral Home & Crematory in Wasilla.