Joseph B. Ruggles, age 93, of Beaver, Ohio, passed away on Saturday, April 7, 2012 at Heartland of Jackson after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was born in Ribolt, Kentucky on September 24, 1918. He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas M. and Minnie C. (Garrett) Ruggles; one son, Philip M. Ruggles; one great-grandson, Isaiah Ruggles; four brothers, Arvid, Thomas, Donald and Norman Ruggles; and one sister, Christine McCord.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Natalie A. Wright Ruggles; five sons, Daniel Ruggles and wife, Tara; Donald Ruggles and wife, Linda J. David Ruggles and wife, Debra; and Thomas Ruggles and wife Brenda. Also surviving are 18 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Wallace McCord and several nieces and nephews.
He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving in WW II in North Africa and Italy with the Eisenhower staff. After the war he graduated from Asbury College, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Education and later a Master’s in Education from the University of Kentucky. He retired from the Jackson City Schools in 1981; he taught at Southeastern Business College in Jackson and sold World Book Encyclopedias.
He was a member of the Wesley United Methodist Church, the America Legion, the Gideons, Scioto Grange, and was a lay speaker for many years. He loved teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir.
Calling hours will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at the Eisnaugle-Lewis Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at the funeral home beginning at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 11, 2012 with Rev. William Goodall officiating and burial will follow in Mountain Ridge Cemetery.
Online condolences to: www.e-k-lewisfuneralhome.