Melvin Walter Ruggles, 86, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away on June 6, 2021 at his home in rural Winfield.

Melvin was born October 28, 1934 in an oilfield house in rural Winfield to James "Bill" Walter and Grace Gennetta (Brooks) Ruggles - he would relish telling his children whenever they passed the house that an angel was born there. This continued until 1991 when a tornado came through and blew the little house down. His younger years were spent on farms near Winfield, in Tisdale, Liberty and Sheridan Townships. His family moved to Burden when he was of school age and he attended Silver Creek School, a one room school about two miles from their farm. He walked or rode his horse to school. He then attended Burden High School and graduated in 1952.

After graduation, Melvin worked in Wichita and Winfield and in 1956 he joined the Army. Melvin was stationed at a missile base in New Jersey and while there he met the love of his life Pearl Rule – they were married Oct 12, 1957 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Glassboro, New Jersey. Melvin received an Honorable Discharge from the Army in 1959 and they moved back to Winfield. He worked at Binney and Smith until 1968 and then he started work at the Power Plant for the City of Winfield, retiring in 1996. During this time, he also worked for Wonder Bread loading trucks, farmed, and hauled hay.

After retiring he continued mowing for the City each summer through 2010. Melvin was a 4-H leader for Liberty 4-H. He served on the Board of Directors for Winfield Cooperative Association, Rural Water District #5, and Cowley County Landowner's Association; he was a trustee for Liberty Township and a member of Winfield Saddle Club. Melvin was a lifelong member of Tisdale UMC. Melvin loved living on the farm, horses, and his family. His grandchildren and great grandchildren brought great joy to his life. Melvin never met a stranger, and he was known for his tendency to mischief and jokes. He was a "people person" and loved to be with others – he often told stories of meeting someone he knew in the most unlikely of places. Melvin mentored others most of his life – he was a stalwart figure to many of the young and old at Tisdale and the community. He attended sporting events whenever he could, cheering family, friends and strangers!

Melvin is survived by his children Sharon (Ed) King of San Angelo, TX; Steven (Veva) Ruggles of Winfield; Sonja (Michael) Todd of Augusta; and Stanton Ruggles of Winfield; sister Leora Bland of Winfield; sister-in-law Sarah Bair of Winfield; brother-in-law Harvey Rule of Troy, TN; grandchildren Ty King, Genna King, Peter Ruggles, Ruth (Keanon) Hurst, Timothy Ruggles, Elizabeth Ruggles, Jacob Ruggles, Daniel Ruggles, Lydia Ruggles, Jessica Todd, Joshua Todd, Jarod (Kaitlin) Todd, Molly Ruggles, Benet (Robert) Youngdahl, Piper Ruggles, Tessa Ruggles; seven great grandchildren, Drayton, Julianna, Jade, Jace, Leo, Chloe and Eva; and many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents Bill and Grace Ruggles, wife Pearl Ruggles, brother Maurice Ruggles and sister Janiece Andes.

The family would like to thank the staff of Good Shepherd Hospice for the loving care they provided to Melvin. He and his family appreciate all the visits, cards, calls and prayers from family & friends during this difficult time.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 11, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. at Tisdale UMC in Winfield. Interment will follow at Rose Valley Cemetery. A visitation is scheduled at Miles Funeral Service on Thursday, June 10, from 5pm-8pm. The family will greet visitors from 5pm-7pm.

Memorials have been established in Melvin's name for Tisdale UMC. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Melvin's service will be livestreamed on Friday morning.  The video will be available on Tisdale United Methodist Church's Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/tisdaleumc