Sarah Frances Rowland Ruggles

Nov 2, 2009

Sarah Frances Rowland Ruggles, 86, of Athens, died in her sleep on Monday, Nov. 2, 2009, after a lingering illness.

A lifelong resident of Athens, she was a caring and dedicated wife and mother. A graduate of Tennessee Wesleyan College, she was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Athens. She retired after many years of service from the Goody\'s Corporation corporate offices. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, John Paul \"Jack\" Ruggles, on Nov. 21, 1991; her parents, Frank and Linnet \"Darlie\" Rowland; one brother, Frank Rowland Jr.; one sister, Margaret R. Weeks; one son-in-law, Edwin Riden; and one niece, Karen Austin Cranfield.

She leaves behind four daughters and three sons-in-law, Debbye and Larry Wade of Athens, Janice Ruggles of Riceville, and Paula and Doug Buckner and Becky and Steve Mullen, all of Athens; three grandchildren and one spouse, Chris and Renee Wilson, Greg Wilson and Tyler Buckner; great-grandchildren, Chase Wilson, Chazz Wilson, Sydnei Wilson, Aiden Wilson and Keegan Wilson; one sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Julian Austin; a special niece, Carol Shadden, and her son, Colin; and nephews, Steve and Kevin Austin, and their families.

Her life will be remembered in a private family graveside service at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Cedar Grove Cemetery with the Rev. Jeff Wright Officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons.

There will be no visitation.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer\'s Association, 7625 Hamilton Park Dr., Suite 8, Chattanooga, TN 37421, or the American Cancer Society, c/o Faye C. Forgety, 128 County Rd. 447, Athens, TN 37303.

Send condolences to www.laycock-hobbs.com

Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home of Athens is in charge of arrangements.