Dorothea "Dotto" Lewis Ruggles

DOROTHEA LEWIS RUGGLES

LITTLETON, NH --Dorothea, "Dotto", Lewis Ruggles, age 80, died unexpectedly in her life-long home in Littleton, NH on November 12, 2016. Dorothea was born on April 22, 1936 in Littleton, NH. She was a fraternal twin who was the last of five children born to Ruth Richardson Lewis and Herbert Lewis. She grew up on Jackson Street in Littleton and attended local schools.

After graduating from the University of New Hampshire with a BA in English Literature and Romance Languages, she married Wayne Ruggles on September 22, 1957. She taught for several years at Bethlehem High School and then went on to raising her family of four children.

Dotto immersed herself in the beauty of the world around her, demonstrating a passion for the arts through her love of music, gardening, photography, painting, and poetry. She was a skilled quilter, knitter, pianist, and wood carver who often created works of art admired by many.

She was an active member of many Littleton organizations including the Congregational Church, the Ladies Guild, the Friday Club, the Historical Society, the Hospital Auxiliary, and the Garden Club, of which she served as the President for several years. Dotto received a "Silver Seal Citation" from New Hampshire Federation of Garden Clubs, which is a state award given to outstanding members of local garden clubs. She was also an active volunteer throughout her community who was known and loved by all for her infectious smile and eternal optimism.

Dorothea is survived by her life partner of 58 years, and loving spouse, Wayne Bruce Ruggles; her two sons; Brent Lewis Ruggles of Bethlehem, NH, and Grant Loring Ruggles of Sugar Hill, NH; her two daughters; Ruthanne Stefekos of Bedford, NH, and Marcella Jane Albert of New Boston, NH. She is also survived by six grandchildren; Tyler and Rylee Ruggles, Alexandra and Nicholas Stefekos, and Meagan and Mason Albert, as well as her loving feline friend, "Clarisse".

SERVICES-Calling Hours will be held at the Pillsbury Phaneuf Funeral Home, located at 101 Union Street in Littleton, NH on Thursday, November 17th, from 4:00-6:00 pm. A church service will be held on Friday, November 18th at 11:00 a.m. at the Littleton Congregational Church with a luncheon to follow.

In lieu of flowers the family request that consideration of a memorial donation in her name be made to: The Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7th fl. New York, NY 10001 or online at www.alzfdn.org