CASA DE RUES INC

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Vernal Rue Hale, Sr. (April 6, 1926 – August 5, 2018)

A Legacy of Hard Work, Community, and Faith

Vernal Rue Hale, Sr. was a man of extraordinary dedication, resilience, and integrity. Born on April 6, 1926, in Springerville, Arizona, he was the son of Admiral Sheldon Hale and Martha Chloe Burk Hale. Throughout his life, Rue played a crucial role in shaping the town he called home, leaving behind a legacy that continues to impact the community.

After serving his country in the United States Army in 1946, Rue worked as a Personnel Administrative Technician (Company Clerk) for 18 months. Following his military service, he returned to Springerville in 1952 and became a driving force in the town’s development. His contributions to public works were invaluable—he was responsible for installing the first water system, fire hydrants, and streetlights, and for building and paving most of the town’s streets. His commitment to the well-being of Springerville’s residents earned him deep respect, and he was known for his excellent rapport with the townspeople.

Rue served the community in multiple leadership roles, including Fire Chief and later as City Judge for 23 years. His sense of justice, fairness, and unwavering commitment to his town made him a trusted figure in Apache County. In recognition of his contributions, Rue was honored as Grand Marshal for the 2014 Fourth of July Parade and Rodeo, a tribute to his lifelong service.

Beyond his civic duties, Rue was a hardworking businessman and land steward. He took great pride in his ranch and farm, ensuring they remained a cornerstone of his family’s heritage. He also owned Rue Hale Pipeline Excavation and Rue Hale Sand and Rock, further cementing his role in the region’s infrastructure and development. His deep connection to the White Mountains reflected his appreciation for the land and the simple, honest way of life he cherished.

Rue was also well-connected in the local ranching community and had a friendship with legendary actor John Wayne, who owned the 26 Bar Ranch in Springerville. The two shared a love for the land, hard work, and the Western way of life. Wayne, known for his larger-than-life presence both on and off the screen, found a kindred spirit in Rue, whose dedication to his community and ranching mirrored the values Wayne upheld. Their friendship was a testament to Rue’s character—he was respected by men of all walks of life, from local cowboys to Hollywood legends.

The Legacy Lives On: Casa De Rues, Inc.

Rue’s legacy lives on through his grandson, Wesley Walker, who thought the world of his grandfather—believing Rue could walk on water. Years after Rue’s passing, Wesley honored his memory by purchasing his grandfather’s former home from the bank, rescuing and restoring what remained of Rue’s land in Springerville.

He renamed it Casa De Rues, Inc.—“The House of Rue”, a tribute to the man who built so much with his own two hands. Wesley poured his heart and soul into reviving what was left of Rue’s 4.7-acre hillside hacienda in the northern White Mountains of Arizona, ensuring that his grandfather’s legacy would not be forgotten.

And Rue’s spirit rides on—literally. Today, Wesley drives Rue’s beloved 1981 Ford F-150, “Brown”, the very truck that carried Rue across the rugged terrain of Apache County for decades. More than just a vehicle, Brown is a symbol of Rue’s hard work, resilience, and unbreakable bond with the land.

Everything in “Brown” is just the way Rue left it. Every dent, every scratch, every worn seat tells a story of the man who built a life on hard work, honesty, and faith. Every time Wesley starts the engine, it’s as if Rue is riding shotgun, guiding him down the roads he once paved.

But beyond the land, beyond the roads and buildings Rue left behind, Wesley knows that his grandfather’s greatest work was in preparing a place for his family in eternity. Wesley is certain that when his time comes, Rue will be waiting for him at the gates of Heaven, ready to welcome him home into the Kingdom to meet Jesus.

Wesley sent a special message through Rue to speak to Jesus, a testimony of faith that connects the two beyond time and space. Over Wesley’s 30-year journey away from the White Mountains, Jesus has been incredibly kind to him, guiding and protecting him through every step of the way.

Through the roads he built, the lives he touched, and the faith he carried, Vernal Rue Hale’s impact endures—not just in history, but in the hearts of those who loved him. Though he is gone, his spirit remains woven into the land, into his family, and into the eternal Kingdom where he now rests.