Ruggles, Frances, 67, New Sweden, in New Sweden, April 4, 2009. A memorial service will be held 6:30 p.m., April 8, at the Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church. Arrangements are in the care of the Mockler Funeral Home, Caribou.
New Sweden – After a long and courageous battle with health problems related to the arsenic poisoning, Frances “Fran” Ruggles entered into the gates of Heaven on April 4 2009 at her New Sweden residence. She was born to Milton and Bernice (McIntosh) Butler on May 9, 1941 at Caribou.
At an early age, she developed a strong Christian Faith that sustained her through difficult and good times. There was never any doubt about her love for God and how she relied on him for strength, courage and guidance. She was a member of Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church and held different positions at various times. As a young person she developed a strong love of animals and brought every kitty and puppy home to her parents that she felt were abandoned. Regardless of numerous requests from her parents, she still continued to bring stray animals home. On January 19, 1963 she married the love of her life, Carroll R. Ruggles. Dick was her hero, her strength and her rock, especially during the last year of her life as she struggled on a daily basis to breath. He was an excellent caregiver and a great source of strength to her. During their marriage family was especially important to them. They spent many memorable times celebrating various occasions. Each holiday was marked with elaborate meals and décor. She was especially proud of her Irish roots and encouraged family to develop a strong bond to their heritage. Her love of animals continued through her life and the majority of family pets were abused and abandoned animals. Each animal that came into their home was given plenty of love, attention and care to make up for the pain they had suffered. She was also known for her love of gardening, especially her flowers. She spent many happy hours pulling weeds, nurturing new growth and eventually enjoying the rewards of her hard work. She was especially fond of her rose bushes. She and her husband traveled extensively throughout their marriage. They either lived or visited all states except Oregon, Washington and Alaska. Their dream for their golden years was to travel to Alaska in their RV, but the dream was never realized.
Surviving in addition to her husband Dick of New Sweden are a son, Joe Ruggles and life partner Betsy Hallet of Mars Hill; grandchildren, Amber Ruggles and life partner Rob Peabody and step-grandchildren Dezerae and Jazmyn Peabody of Carmel, Rick Ruggles of New Sweden, Ashley Ruggles and life partner Joe Williams and great-granddaughter Olivia Goodness of Portsmouth, N.H.; a son, David and his wife Fay, grandchildren Kyle, Steven and Rachel Ruggles and step-grandchildren Elyse, D.J., and Michaela Deruzzio all of Hudson N.Y. She had a close relationship with three nephews and their families, Terry and Lisa Adler, Forrest and Austin of Caswell, Tim and Judy Adler and Emily of New Sweden, Michael and Danielle Guerrette and Eli and Madeleine of Farmington. Also surviving, one sister, Julia Adler of New Sweden; and a sister-in-law Joan Butler of Caribou, a brother-in-law and his wife, Gordon and Susie Ruggles and family of Raleigh N.C., several other nieces and nephews; and friends, John, Joyce, Cassie and JJ Hoffman of Valatie, N.Y. She was predeceased by her parents and a brother Gerald Butler.
A memorial service will be held 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 8, 2009, at the Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church with Rev. Gordon Compton and Rev. Jim Morgan officiating. Following the service the family invites all to Svea Hall for a time of continued fellowship and refreshments. Memorial in memory of Fran may be sent to: Gustaf Adolph Lutheran Church, c/o Shirley Erickson, PO Box 54, New Sweden, ME 04762 or the Central Aroostook Humane Society Animal Shelter, 26 Cross Street, Presque Isle, ME 04768. For online registry please go to www.mocklerfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by the Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir Street, Caribou.
