WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Harold “Sam” Ruggles, 93, passed away Wednesday, March 19th, at his daughters home in Manistee. Harold was born in Ann Arbor, MI on May 31, 1920, a son of Hellen Pearl (Houldsworth) and Arthur Ellis Ruggles. He graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1938. Sam served in the U.S. Army stationed at Camp Roberts in California. On January 26, 1946 he married Ethel Mae Whitmore in Constantine. She preceded him in death December 21, 2013. He worked as a shop foreman at Armstrong Machine Works in Three Rivers, retiring in 1986 after 45 years of service. Sam was an avid fisherman in the Great Lakes and inland lakes. He was also a master carpenter having built there home 69 years ago… and was still working on it. He enjoyed hunting (bow & arrow / fire arm), camping and traveling.
He is survived by his son Charlie (Sue) Ruggles, Milwaukee, WI, daughters Joyce (Bob) Brenner, Manistee, Kathy Ruggles, Plymouth, brother Robert (Nancy) Ruggles, Myrtle Beach, SC, sister In Law Florence Brothers, granddaughter Becky (Jon) Grocki, great granddaughters Abby & Audrey Grock, several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ethel Ruggles and sister Marie Ruggles.
Cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends will be received Sunday from1 to 3 pm. at Eley Funeral Home in Constantine, where a Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday, with Reverend Bob Brenner officiating.
Family request donations to Three Rivers Hospice 633 Erie St. Three Rivers, MI 49093 or Munson Hospice 1105 6th St. Traverse City, MI 49684. Online messages may be left for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
