Donald Ruben Obituary (1939 - 2011)

Don Ruben, 72, died on September 15, 2011. Preceded in death by parents, Louis and Annette Ruben. Survived by his wife, Lelia Cady; brother, Billy (Lainie) Ruben of Buckeye, AZ; nephew, Andy (Debra) Ruben; niece, Jenni Ruben; great nephew, Isaac; great niece, Tova and many relatives and friends. Don was a graduate of University of Cincinnati Law School, Middlebury College and Columbus Academy. Before his career in criminal defense and civil rights law, he served as Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor and Assistant Attorney General under William B. Saxbe. Don’s experience in criminal defense law inspired a commitment to ending cannabis prohibition. He served on the NORML legal committee and published articles on states’ rights and medical marijuana. He served on the boards of House of Hope, Ohio Dominican College, Citizens For A Better Skyline and was dedicated to advancing many community groups and causes. The family is grateful for the loving support of friends and the expertise, friendship and humanity of Maura Gillison, MD, PhD; Joni Lutman RN, MSN, CNP; Matthew Old, MD and The James Cancer Center team. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 18th at Congregation Agudas Achim, 2767 E. Broad St., Bexley. Burial will follow at New Agudas Achim Cemetery. Shiva will be observed at 1000 Urlin Ave., Columbus on Sunday at 7pm. The family requests donations to the Annette and Louis Ruben Fund at Columbus Jewish Foundation or House of Hope.