Ruby Tigges

1937 - 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ruby Jean (Whitaker) Tigges, who departed from this life August 8, 2025, at the age of 88. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. She is deeply missed.

Jean was born on May 30, 1937, to William Theodore and Christine (Owenby) Whitaker. She grew up in Fairview, Black Mountain and Asheville, North Carolina.

The summer of 1954, she met Kenneth Dale Tigges who was in Asheville on a break, serving in the U.S. Army at Ft. Bragg. They married on December 31, 1954, in Greenville, South Carolina. Ken's storied military career meant a lot of moves including stops in Iowa, Colorado, Texas, Georgia, Alabama and Germany. Finally settling in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Jean committed her life to raising her family and supporting Ken's military career, enduring long separations when Ken was deployed. Jean's strength and courage allowed her to provide a loving, safe environment for her three children while building community wherever they lived, often with limited resources. Over the years, she worked in banking, at a law firm and in the Department of the Army, earning recognition, commendations and awards for her diligence.

In retirement, Jean volunteered for many years at the United Services Organization (USO) in Raleigh. She took great pride in supporting the troops and their families. Jean had a special connection with the young members of every branch of service and spent hours listening to their stories, empathizing with them and giving them a little bit of home away from home. Jean was also actively involved in her church, attended bible study and supported her congregation.

Jean loved to garden, read, visit friends and family, play dominos, and did the daily crossword puzzle. She was a loving, devoted wife and mother, the matriarch of the family.

Jean is survived by her three children: Linda Gail (married to Jorge Silva, with son Rolland), Rodney Dale (married to Lee Faircloth, with son Curt, daughter Kristianna, son Benjamin Celt, daughter Sarah, and son Alexander with Lily and Clair as her great-grandchildren), and Kevin Dean (married to Cindi Billett, with daughters Kiera and Cailin).

She will have her final rest with Ken at Arlington Cemetery.

Donations in her name can be made to: the Raleigh United Service Organizations https://www.uso.org/donate/memorial-donation or the Dementia Society of America https://dementiasociety.charityproud.org/donate.