Joseph J. Ruggles

Aledo,Illinois Joseph J. Ruggles, 75, of Aledo, died Tuesday, January 14, 2003, at the Mercer County Hospital, Aledo. Memorial Services will be Friday at 1:30 PM at the College Avenue Presbyterian Church. Private family burial with Military Honors will be at Aledo Cemetery. Per Joe's wishes, there will be no visitation. Trimble Funeral Home, Aledo, is in charge of arrangements. Joe was born on March 6, 1927 in Schyler county Missouri to Joe B. and Cleda (Elschler) Ruggles. He married Jean Stockhecke on August 28, 1947 in Quincy, Illinois. Joe was a World War II Verteran of the United States Navy. He received his Bachelors of Science degree from Western Illinois University in Macomb. He taught in Viola and retired from Rockridge Schools in 1991. Joe was an active member of the College Avenue Presbyterian Church; a member of the Aledo VFW Post #1571 and of the Mercer County Retired Teachers. Joe is survived by his wife, Jean; his five children and their spouses: Deborah and Clifford Cobert of East Peoria; Joan and John Hayman of Murray, KY; Jeff Ruggles of Rock Island; Teresa and David Hitz of Staunton, IL and Dan and Jennifer Ruggles of Carpentersville, IL; 9 grandchildren: Kristin Ensenberger; Teresa McCormick; Joe, Peter and Ellen Hayman; Kate and Andy Hitz and Jordan and Sydney Ruggles; 1 great-granddaughter, Hunter Curry; 5 sisters: Orta Lee Comstock, Dortha McMurray, Ruth Swank, Mary Lou Orr and Virginia Ruggles; and 2 brothers, Derwood and David Ruggles. Joe was preceded in death by his parents; 3 brothers, Harold, Garland and Jim Ruggles and a sister, Tyra Bull. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family by clicking on the ''Sign Memorial Guestbook'' icon on this page. END OF OBITUARY