Ruth L. Huggard

Ruth L. Huggard
Ruth Lucille Huggard, 96, of Midland, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Friday morning, January 17, 2025, at Primrose of Midland.
Ruth was born August 24, 1928, in Clare County, to William and Hazel (Shaver) Conner. Ruth made her way to Midland in 1945 where she met her future husband, Duane Huggard. They were married in 1948 and enjoyed 72 years together before Duane's death in 2020.
Duane and Ruth raised two sons who were their pride and joy and shared many happy times together as a family. Ruth cherished moments with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and loved engaging in conversations about their work, school, and interests, as well as attending their sporting and other events.
She had a strong work ethic and retired from the former Midland County School Employee's Credit Union with 14 years of service. Prior to that she worked in the offices of J.C. Penney and the Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company (A&P) grocery chain.
In their younger years Ruth and Duane enjoyed square dancing, made lifelong friends, and built cherished memories as they attended dances across the United States. Their passion for travel led to memorable road trips and cruises, including a special journey to Hawaii and Tahiti with dear friends.
Later in life, Ruth spent many happy winters with Duane in their home in Pharr, Texas, where she enjoyed crafting, shopping, and attending church with friends. She especially loved hearing her husband sing and perform solos as a member of the choir. While in Texas, Ruth developed her love for golf, and one month before her 83rd birthday, she shot her first hole-in-one at The Ridge golf course.
Ruth was an avid nature lover and enjoyed spending time tending to her flower gardens and preserving the bounty from her vegetable garden. She was a wonderful cook and her family cherishes the memories of gathering around the table for one of her delicious meals which often included vegetables and fruit grown in their garden.
Ruth is survived by her son Dennis (Debbie) Huggard; daughter-in-law Trish Huggard (Brad) Martin; granddaughters, Amanda (Nathan) Markey, and Kelly (Jason) Brandle; great-grandchildren, Deegan and Callan Brandle and Lauren Markey; sisters-in-law, Gloria (Richard) Bukowski and Colleen Smith; her dear friends Marion Williams and Leslie Benner; and her wonderful neighbors on Ladner Parkway.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Duane; her son, Douglas Huggard; sisters, Ruby Mielke and Irene Mielke; brothers-in-law, Richard Smith, Donald Huggard, and Cleo (Red) Huggard; and sisters-in law, Nora Laughridge, Josephine Huggard, and Jonie Huggard.
A private family service and interment at Homer Township Cemetery will take place at a later date. Those wishing to make a memorial donation may wish to consider St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (https://www.stjude.org), Shriner's Children's Hospital (https://donate.lovetotherescue.org), or their favorite charity. All of us at Ware Smith Woolever are honored the Huggard family has entrusted us with the care of their loved one.