DEFIANCE — Harold Lee Ruggles, 81, of Defiance passed away Jan. 4, 2010, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Ind.
He was born Sept. 21, 1928, in Fredericktown, the son of Clifford and Hazel (Doyle) Ruggles. Harold married Dolores A. Nierman in Defiance on May 10, 1952. She survives with three sons and daughters-in-law, Steven (Nikki) of Maricopa, Ariz., David (Lin) of Defiance and Mark (Debra) of Fort Wayne, Ind.; along with nine grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Also surviving are two brothers, Donald (Janis) Ruggles of Fredericktown and James Ruggles of Dalton, Ga.; three sisters, NeNe (Willard) Ruhl of Fredericktown, Ruth Fisher of Lexington, Ky., and Carolyn (Hank) Edwards of Plano, Texas. He will also be missed by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
Preceding him in death along with his parents was one brother, Robert Ruggles, and a nephew, Tom Ruggles, both of Mount Vernon.
He retired after 30 years as a pattern maker from General Motors where he was a member of the UAW. He was meticulous and conscientious about his job as well as his love for woodworking.
Harold was a devoted husband and enjoyed daily coffee with his friends, playing pool, card games and spending time with his family.
He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea just prior to the Korean War.
Funeral services with the Rev. Father Tim Kummerer will be held Thursday, Jan. 7, at 10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, where he was a member. Visitation will be Wednesday, Jan. 6, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., with a vigil at 7 p.m. at Mast-Mock-Hoffman-Hanenkrath-Clevenger-Schaffer Funeral Home, Defiance.
Memorials may be made to St. Vincent DePaul Society of Defiance or the Food Pantry of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Defiance. Condolences may be made at www.mastmockhoffman.com.