Priscilla A. (Ames) Ruggles, a resident of Reading for 51 years, passed away after a brief illness on December 8, 2024. She was 96 years of age. Priscilla was born in Laconia, New Hampshire, on August 29, 1928, the daughter of the late Roger M. and Dorothy (Durgin) Ames.
Priscilla grew up in Salem, MA, and spent summers in Gilford, NH, where her grandfather had established an inn on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee. She graduated from Lasell College and worked as a telephone operator before leaving to raise her three children. She returned to work as an insurance claims adjuster until her retirement in 1984. In her spare time, Priscilla enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. After her retirement, she delivered for Meals on Wheels and was involved with the Low Vision Support Group.
Priscilla was the beloved wife of the late Irving B. Ruggles. Devoted mother of Geoffrey B. Ruggles of Gilford, NH, Cynthia A. Pilla and her husband Michael of Davenport, FL, and Carolyn A. Upham of Reading, and cherished sister of the late Eleanor Schaper. Loving grandmother of Greg, David, Scott, Jessica, and John and loving great-grandmother of Lily, Oliver, Finlay, and Paul. Loving aunt of her five nieces and nephews.
A funeral service celebrating Priscilla’s life will be held at the Douglass, Edgerley, and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.), Reading Friday, December 13, 2024, at 11am. Burial will follow at Wood End Cemetery in Reading. A visitation will be held at the funeral home prior to the service from 10-11am.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Priscilla’s memory to The Shriners Children’s Hospital 51 Blosom St. Boston, MA 02114.
