Longtime West Babylon Lois Ruggles, died May 3, 2005 at her home in Weeki Wachee, Florida. She was 74.

Mrs. Ruggles, born in Brooklyn and raised in West Babylon, had six children with her husband George. They would have celebrated their 55 year wedding anniversary in October.

Mrs. Ruggles was a wonderful homemaker, according to her family, and loved to write letters to friends and family, as well as exercise her green thumb in her garden. In Florida, she was a member of the Lois Club, where she would have dinner and chat with dozens of other women named Lois. She attended the Presbyterian Church in Babylon.

For many years, prior to her move to Florida, Mrs. Ruggles was a volunteer reader in the West Babylon School District. Because she always lived near the water, she was also a very good swimmer.

Mrs. Ruggles is survived by her husband George of Weeki Wachee, Florida; her three daughters: Suzanne Krouse of West Hampton, New York, Maureen Ruggles of Leonia, New Jersey and Patricia Sylvester of Manorville, New York; her three sons: George of Puerto Rico, Charles of West Babylon and David of Port St. Lucy, Florida. She also leaves behind six grandchildren: Yvonne, Joseph, Patrick, Jennifer, Grace and Frank as well as four great grandchildren: Patrick, Kora-Lyn, Savannah and Lilly.

Mrs. Ruggles reposed at Brewer & Sons Funeral Home in Spring Hill, Florida. There was a private cremation following the funeral on May 7, 2005.