Charles Emerson Ruggles Sr.

Charles Emerson Ruggles Sr., 97, of Norwalk, Ohio, passed away on February 6, 2026. He was born April 8, 1928, to Jay and Ethel Ruggles of North Fairfield, Ohio. He was a 1946 graduate of North Fairfield High School.

Charles was known for his unwavering work ethic and lifelong dedication to his community and customers. In the 1950s, he delivered milk cans seven days a week. In 1963, he began raising chickens and delivering eggs from his own farm to area grocery stores, which led to the establishment of Ruggles Feed Service in 1964. Through his attention to detail and commitment to always putting the customer first, that business became Ruggles Inc, incorporated in 1977, which he owned and operated for the remainder of his life. In the 1980s, Charles and his wife, Bonnie, along with other agriculture-centered couples, helped establish NovAgra Inc., contributing to advancements in the use of micronutrients in fertilizer. He continued going to the office daily until just months before his passing, often joking that he would have to be “retired by force.”

He is survived by his wife of 48½ years, Bonnie Ruggles; his children, Diane (Jerry) Meyer of Monroeville, Chuck (Jane) Ruggles Jr. of Greenwich, Shawn Stewart of New London, Jayne (Scott) Carroll of New London, and Erica (Mike) Stevens of Greenwich; his grandchildren, Valerie (Paul) Landoll of Norwalk, Andy (Brooke) Meyer of Berlin Heights, Amanda (Lenny) Dixon of Monroeville, Alex (Chad) Wilson of Plymouth, Garth (Maria) Stewart of Jersey City, New Jersey, Corey Stewart of Waldorf, Maryland, Ashley Jenkins of Port St. Lucie, Florida, Nicole (Brian) Williams of Fairlawn, Bethany Perry of Greenwich, Braden Cox of Greenwich, Luke Stevens of Sandusky, and Mackenzie Stevens of Greenwich; his great-grandchildren, Nicholas, Grace, Luke, Zack, Hayden, Derek, Caleb, Cayden, Peyton, Case, Quinn, Geiseric, and Gallenus; and his great-great-grandchild, Miles. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Sharon Ruggles of Grand Blanc, Michigan, and his nephew, Mike Ruggles of Willard.

He was preceded in death by his father, Jay Ruggles; his mother, Ethel Baxter-Ruggles; and his brothers, Robert and Lowell Ruggles.

Charles lived a life defined by hard work, dedication, and quiet integrity. His work here is done, and he leaves behind a legacy built through a lifetime of commitment to his family, his work, and his community that will continue through generations.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 10, 2026, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m., and Wednesday, February 11, 2026, beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Ripley Church, 4130 Edwards Road, Greenwich, with funeral services to follow at noon on Wednesday at Ripley Church. Burial and a luncheon will be held immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: South Central FFA, 3305 Greenwich Angling Road, Greenwich, Ohio 44837 or Firelands Historical Society, P.O. Box 572, Norwalk, Ohio 44857.