Ashley Murchison Rugh, Jr.

Ashley Murchison Rugh, Jr., was born September 6, 1939, in Boerne, Texas, to Meleese Allen Rugh and Ashley M. Rugh, Sr. He entered into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father, Tuesday, July 9, 2024.

Ashley was raised in Bandera, Texas, and attended Bandera High School. He went on to attend Texas A&M University where he earned his degree in Mechanical Engineering and met the love of his life, Clare Drewett. The couple went on to have three sons and raised their family atop Circle A and Lazy J Trails in Helotes, Texas. The Rughs spent their free time working on the family’s beloved Seco Valley Ranch in Tarpley, Texas, or at Horseshoe Bay enjoying the lake and golf. 

Ashley was an accomplished career man as an engineer with Schlumberger, General Manager of Glassmaster Corporation, and a full-time rancher for over 20 years. 

While the Hill Country would always be home in their hearts, Ashley and Clare settled in College Station, Texas, in 1999 where he continued to ranch and raise Beefmaster cattle. The couple joined Christ Church where Ashley was involved in a number of ministries and small groups. Ashley was also passionate about the mission of S.O.S. Ministries. He served on the organization’s board and was instrumental in establishing its annual banquet. Ashley also enjoyed attending countless Texas A&M Aggie athletic events with his family. Together, with Clare, Ashley created a lifetime of memories with friends and an unrivaled legacy within his family. 

Ashley’s earthly example of Christ-likeness was on display daily as he walked faithfully with the Lord through each season of life. He was a Godly man who wholeheartedly embodied the fruits of the Spirit with boundless love, exuberant joy, profound peace, enduring patience, genuine kindness, steadfast goodness, eternal faithfulness, gentle humility, and unparalleled self-control.

He was a deeply committed family man. Ashley instilled his love for west Texas road trips in his son John; and his passion for golf, and the lifelong dream of shooting their age, in his sons Tom and Charles. His grandchildren will remember early morning devotionals, countless golf cart rides, homemade ice cream, and back porch swinging with their Papa.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Meleese and Ashley M. Rugh, Sr.; his brother, Ronald Rugh; sister-in-law, Carolyn Rugh; and daughter-in-law, Stacey Rugh. 

Ashley is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 63 years on September 2, Clare; his sons, John Rugh, Tom (RozeLee) Rugh, and Charles (Ashton) Rugh; and 4 grandchildren, Tyler, Cameron, Palmer and Meyers. 

Ashley’s life will be celebrated at Christ Church in College Station, Texas, on Friday, July 12, 2024, at 11 a.m. with interment at Bandera Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Ashley’s memory to Christ Church - College Station https://www.christchurchcs.org/give/ or S.O.S. Ministries https://saveourstreetsministries.org/give/