Mary Lou Ruggles

CUYAHOGA FALLS - Mary Lou Ruggles, longtime citizen of Stow, died November 27, 2022. She was predeceased by her husband of 72 ½ years, Harold Oscar Ruggles on May 2, 2021.

Mrs. Ruggles was born in New Straitsville, Ohio, at the home of her parents, Pleasant Rowe Little and Jeanette Eleanora Rush, on December 13, 1927. After the death of her mother, when she was six days old, and her stepmother when she was nine, she went to Akron at the age of 13 to live with her uncle and aunt, John D. and Pauline Little. She was raised with cousins, John Little (“Bill”) and Richard Little (“Dick”) as siblings. Upon graduation from Cuyahoga Falls High School, Mary Lou became a cadet nurse and earned her nursing degree from the University of Akron College of Nursing.

In addition to her husband, Mary Lou was predeceased by her brother, William Little; sister, Freda Morris, and brothers, Lowell and Larry Little. Mary Lou is survived by sisters, Linda Carver and Laurie Hedrick of Kenova, West Virginia; five children, Harold (“Tom”) (Cynthia Casto) of Hartsville, Indiana; Wayne (Cynthia Young) of Georgetown, Kentucky; Ruth of Cuyahoga Falls; Mary Rickenbacher (William) of Peninsula, and Jo of Stow. Mary Lou also leaves a legacy of ten grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Mary Lou had been an active member of the Stow Presbyterian Church and was recently inducted into the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a good wife, mother, and citizen and will be missed by her family and many friends.

A memorial service will be held for both Harold and Mary Lou on Friday, December 9, 2022, at 11 AM, at Stow Presbyterian Church, 4150 Fishcreek Road, Stow 44224. Friends may call at the church from 9 AM until service time. Feel free to wear your favorite buffalo plaid in honor of them.

In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted in their name by the Kent Lions Club, c/o Tony DeLuke, 2484 4th Street, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44221.