Obituary: Jan Ruggles

Jan Ruggles, 73, of Medina, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Aug. 22, 2024. Fun-loving and sociable, Jan thrived around people and was happiest spending time with her family and friends, who will miss her contagious laughter.

Born on Sept. 29, 1950, in Durham, North Carolina, Jan was the youngest child of Harry and Mary Armogida, and sister to Dave, Di, and Gida. She grew up in Oxford, Ohio, attending Talawanda High School and Miami University, where she met her soulmate, Pat Ruggles. They were married in Oxford on June 12, 1971, and shared a loving relationship that lasted 38 years, until Pat's death in 2010.

After living in St. Louis for nearly a decade, Jan and Pat settled in Solon, Ohio, where Jan spent 20 years as a first-grade teacher in the Solon City School District. She loved teaching "her kids" as well as mentoring new teachers. After retiring, Jan would often hear from former students and colleagues about the impact she made on their lives.

Jan is survived by her children Andy (Cindy) and Matt, her sisters Di Princell and Gida, siblings-in-law Sue and Mike Kirby, Peggy and Ryck Archambault, Tim Ruggles, and an extended network of loving family and friends.

A celebration of Jan's life will be held on April 12, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Westfield Country Club Blair Conference Center, 9079 S. Leroy Road, Westfield Center, Ohio 44251. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jan’s name to the Miami University Foundation, Pat Ruggles Memorial Scholarship Fund at www.givetomiamioh.org.