Dolores A. Ruggles, 87, of Defiance, passed away on Tuesday morning, July 31, 2018 at The Hearth at Sycamore Village in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
She was born on July 29, 1931 to the late Alfred and Agnes (Geyman) Nierman in Detroit, Michigan. On May 10, 1952 she married Harold L. Ruggles, who preceded her in death on January 4, 2010.
Dolores was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church, where she volunteered with the jail ministry, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was a former member of Defiance Public Library Reader's Circle, Business and Professional Women's Club, Sauder Village Basket Guild, and served for the Defiance County Board of Elections. Dolores had a deep commitment to this community and served for over 16 years as Defiance City 2nd Ward Councilwoman, being elected five times. In her leisure time she enjoyed reading, basket making, knitting, and she loved spending time with her family and friends.
Dolores will be sadly missed by her sons, Steven (Nikki) Ruggles of Maricopa, AZ, David (Linda) Ruggles of Defiance, and Mark (Debra) Ruggles of Fort Wayne, IN. Grandchildren, Mary (Charles) Gorby, Harold, Stephanie, David, Nicholas, and Susan Ruggles, Greg Ruggles and Brent (Carmen) Ruggles, 6 great-grandchildren, a sister, Mary Ann Manis, several nieces and nephews, and Mayme & Mellie, Bella & Ellie.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by grandson, Scott Ruggles, sister Elizabeth Riblet, and brother, James Watson.
Visitation will be held from 2-8 pm on Friday, August 3, 2018 at Schaffer Funeral Home in Defiance, with a Vigil Service at 2:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 am on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at St. John Catholic Church, with Father Randy Giesige and Deacon Jeff Mayer officiating. Burial will follow the service at Riverside Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to St. Vincent de Paul Society. Online condolences can be given at www.Schafferfh.com.
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