Ila M Ruggles

Ila M. Ruggles, 97, of Rock Island, IL, formerly of Moline, IL, died peacefully on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, at Friendship Manor, Rock Island, surrounded by family. Visitation will be Friday, February 15th, from 4-7 p.m., at Wendt Funeral Home in Moline. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, February 16th at 10:30 a.m., at First Lutheran Church, 1230 - 5th Avenue, Moline. Private family burial will be in Clover Chapel Cemetery in Andover, IL. Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church, Moline, Augustana Lutheran Church, Andover, IL, or a charity of your choice. Ila M. Simpkins was born in Henry County, IL, on July 25, 1915, to Harry and Mildred (Whitcomb) Simpkins. On August 18, 1939, she married Dr. Ralph E. Ruggles. He preceded her in death in 1989 after 50 years of marriage. Ila graduated from Augustana College in 1937. She taught 3rd grade at Audubon School in Rock Island, until her marriage. Ila and Ralph had four sons, Larry, Donald, James, and Brant. For many years they owned and lived above the Ruggles Small Animal Hospital. She was very active in the community, and her church, serving on many boards, including Augustana College, the Illinois Lutheran Church Woman, etc. They wintered in Naples, FL, and traveled the country with their Airstream. She played bridge several times a week until her recent illness. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends. Survivors include sons Donald (Jackie) of Moline, Dr. James (Dianne) ofj Stockton, CA, and Brant (Mary Ann) of Morgan Hill, CA; grandchildren, Julie (Eric) LeFevre, David (Taylor) Ruggles, Elizabeth (Michael) Trowbridge, Christopher Ruggles, Gregory (Jennifer) Ruggles, Jessica (Dan) Escontrias, Jason Ruggles, Erin (Richard) Jensen, Jeffrey (Sandra) Ruggles, Rob (Liz) Ruggles, and 20 great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son Larry, sister, Beatrice Race, and brothers Harry (Dudley) and Robert (Red) Simkins. The family would like to give a special thank you to the "Ortman girls" for their special friendship with Ila, and especially the care and support during this time.

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