Joshua James Ruhling

The staff of Heishman Funeral Home/Valley Funeral Service sends condolences to the family of Joshua James Ruhling. Joshua James Ruhling October 21, 1974 – May 30, 2025 My heart, my soul, my love. Josh, you may have been born in Charlotte NC and raised in Roanoke, but our lives collided in the little town of Woodstock, when a cute young waiter and hostess became the best of friends. We shared many evenings of chocolate milkshakes at the local McDonalds getting to know each other. But, you decided the first day we met at the Spring House Restaurant as you stopped mid-stride with a tray of food in your hands just to check me out, that you would marry me. I wasn’t convinced. So, you pursued me for quite a while until I finally gave in to your persistence, and our love story began. We shared many nights under the stars, bike riding, hiking in the mountains, surprising each other with getaways and so much more. One of my favorite memories is when I was in college and you showed up surprising me with delicious pastries you made from scratch along with a little love note. Another was the journal we shared. We took turns each week writing our daily thoughts and feelings to each other, which made our love stronger each day. It didn’t take long for the marriage proposal and on September 27, 1997, we became one. I gained a second family that day. Your parents, Ray and Linda, accepted me as their own from the very beginning. Your brother Erik was not quite a social butterfly like you, but he eventually gave into my hugs of affection and later his wife Sarah did too. In 2000, we finished building our first home and welcomed our daughter Winter the same year. You wanted a daughter so badly and when she was born, the love and pride for her was unmatched. From day one, she had you wrapped around her little finger and that grip never loosened. If that girl asked you for anything you would move heaven and earth to make it happen. In 2002 our family was completed when Silas was born. I think you two talked sports before he could even speak. He quickly became a Boston Red Sox and Washington Redskins fan because of you. But, our family wasn’t quite complete, was it? Last year you walked Winter down the aisle and gave her away to Carston, who cherishes her just as you cherished me. Next month, we’ll witness our son marrying Cameron, the girl of his dreams. But, you and I will just have slightly different views. We have been so blessed through the years as we have raised our family. Sweetheart, in our thirty years together we built a strong and beautiful marriage. Were there ugly times? Absolutely, because what marriage doesn’t have them? But we chose each other every single time. You set the bar high with how a husband should treat his wife and every day you made me feel like your queen. I already miss the little notes on my pillow, the surprise coffees at work because you just had a feeling I might need one, and the dinners you made me before you went to work. Then there were the flowers for the “just because” moments, the random texts telling me you love me, and holding hands. Oh, and I can’t forget the weekly sushi and movie nights on Friday. We are soulmates and you spent every day demonstrating that. Baby, I don’t know yet how I will navigate my way through this life without you because you’re the half that makes me whole and I’m lost without you. Together we built a life full of friends and family. Our little village has felt your absence more than you could have ever imagined. Joshua James, you are worthy of the title of great husband and father. You are loved, and you are missed. Please thank our heavenly father for letting us borrow you for the time that He did. My peace is knowing I’ll see you again. A memorial service will be held Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 11:00am at Faith Lutheran Church in Fort Valley. Chaplain Phil Speicher will officiate. Online condolences may be left at valleyfs.com Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.

Joshua James Ruhling

October 21, 1974 - May 30, 2025