Richard "Gene" Ruggles

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Richard "Gene" Ruggles, age 92, on April 16, 2025, at East Morgan County Hospital.
Gene was born in Brush, Colorado, to John and Bertha (Johnson) Ruggles. A proud member of the Brush High School Class of 1951, he went on to serve his country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1955. Later in life, one of his most cherished experiences was being honored with an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C.-a moment he held close to his heart.
Gene was preceded in death by his siblings, James Ruggles and Mary Jane (Joe) Hubert. In 1954, he married the love of his life, Beulah Mae Wood. Together they built a beautiful life and family, welcoming twin daughters Jaylene (Lane) Evans and Jolene, who sadly passed at birth, and later, Andrea (Dave) Strand.
Gene was a devoted grandfather to Kelly Florian of Dublin, TX; Barry Strand of Brush; Michaela (Tony) Perez of Brush; Jenna (Brent) Westhoff of Fort Morgan; Jessie (Chris) Bustos of Johnstown; and Dustin (Whitney) Evans of Minot, North Dakota. He found immense joy in spending time with his great-grandchildren: Eliana and Gianna Perez; William, Benjamin, and Joseph Bustos; Banks and Miles Westhoff; and Kai, Acen, Stetson, and Briar Evans. He also shared a close bond with his nieces and nephews: John and Chris Hubert, Sue Pearson, Beth Badgett, and Jon Wood.
A man with an unwavering work ethic, Gene found purpose and pride in every job he held. In his early years, he worked for his father's electrical business, Halliburton, and Electronic Parts in Denver. He later devoted himself to farming and operating Sagebrush Dairy, and enjoyed many years driving trucks for Mohrlang Manufacturing, DFA, and Delta Oil.
Gene was a longtime member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brush. He and Mae shared many wonderful years with friends in both Brush and Arizona. After Mae's passing in 2021, Gene remained an active part of the Brush community, often enjoying meals and fellowship at The Home Plate and Drovers-places where he found friendship and warmth. The family extends sincere gratitude to these establishments as well as to the staff at East Morgan County Hospital for their compassionate care.
A celebration of Gene's life will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brush. Inurnment will follow at Brush Memorial Cemetery. Friends and family are warmly invited to return to the church for a luncheon following the service.
Gene will be remembered for his hilarious sense of humor, his devotion to family, and the legacy of hard work and kindness he leaves behind.