Michael L. Ruggles

Michael Lee Ruggles of Bettendorf, IA, passed away September 12th, 2021, at home with the love of his life by his side.

Born May 23rd, 1955, to Richard and Dorothy (Heartly) Ruggles, Michael was the youngest of three children. He enjoyed his youth; raised in Princeton, IA, Michael was enthralled with the grace of nature and even more so with the beauty of his soulmate, Debra McLaughlin; whom he would eventually marry on August 31st, 1974.

After graduation from North Scott High School in 1974, Michael enlisted in the U.S. Navy (Seabees). He served as a heavy equipment operator, deployed to Alaska and Spain. After his service, he returned to Princeton and began a long career in the trucking industry, a position that would allow him to see and experience so much of the country he served and loved dearly.
Michael enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his four grandchildren. He never missed a Seattle Seahawks or Iowa Hawkeyes football game. He also had a deep love of motorsports and was a lifelong fan of NASCAR.

Those left to cherish his memory alongside his wife Debra include his son Christopher (Alyssa), daughter Angela (Jeremiah), grandchildren: David, Gabriel, Isabella, and Kaylen, and his loving companion Poochie.
Michael was honored in memory by his family with a private ceremony.