Arnold F. Ruggles

Arnold Fred Ruggles, a long-time resident of Filer, Idaho, died on Wednesday, July 4, 2018, peaceful at home from natural causes.

Arnold was 89, born June 7, 1929, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the son of Floyd and Mary (Wolles) Ruggles. He graduated from Edinburg, Ohio. In high school, he was known as “Rugged Arnie”. He was very active in a variety of athletic sports, including football, basketball and track. He served as a Master Sergeant, Tank Company 1st Battalion 107 Armed Calvary, Ohio National Guard until receiving his honorable discharge in 1957. During his career, Arnold worked in industrial construction. 

He married his beloved wife, Joyce (Myers), on August 6, 1949, at the Methodist Church in Edinburg, Ohio. They were married for 69 years before Joyce’s passing May 15, 2018. They lived in Hawaii for a few years and Yamhill, Oregon, and they settled in Filer, Idaho, in 1975. They raised their six children who they loved immensely: Gail (Chris Elliott), Rick (Litay), LaFawn (deceased), Randy (Anna), Chris (Nora) and Ron (Gwen). He is survived by two sisters (DeNeice Sescourka, Warren, Ohio, and Velma Serafin, Stow, Ohio) and 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by daughter LaFawn; his parents; three brothers (Donald, Paul and Roland); and four sisters (Henrietta Nelson; Della Tarr; LaVerne Porter; and Lorene Dowler).

He will always be remembered for his rugged smile, caring heart and warm embraces. He was a devoted, loving husband and beloved brother, uncle, father and grandfather. Arnold passed on his love of the outdoors to his children and grandchildren. They all brought out the best in him and held a special place in his heart. He also enjoyed farming and cultivating and tending to his garden. He enjoyed working with his hands, creating many things out of wood. In earlier years, he and Joyce shared a love of travel. They also loved to dance and joined bowling leagues, and they truly worshiped their time together. 

Please join us as we celebrate his life Saturday, July 14, 2018, 11:00 a.m., at Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home, 2551 Kimberly Road, Twin Falls, Idaho.Military honors will conclude the service. Burial will be privately held at a later date at Twin Falls Cemetery where he will be laid to rest along side his beloved wife. Donations may be made in his memory to Harmony Place Residential Assisted Living, 3808 N 2538, Twin Falls, Idaho, 83301.