Obituary of William Ruggels

William Lee Ruggels passed away in Santa Rosa, CA, January 20th, 2014, at 79 years of age. He was born in Salina, Kansas, May 15, 1934, and was raised on a farm in Beverly, Kansas, by his parents, the late Albert Leroy Ruggels, and the late Rachel Elizabeth (Bloomheart) Ruggels. After graduating from Beverly High School, he earned a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Agricultural Economics from Kansas State University. Having taken Air Force ROTC in college he then joined the U.S. Air Force. He served three years, mainly at Seymour Johnson AFB, as an Air Intelligence officer for the 4th Tactical Fighter wing, achieving the rank of Captain. He then earned a PhD. in Communications from Stanford University. He was married to Sigrid "Susie" von Keyserling at the Stanford Chapel in 1963. Mr. Ruggels taught Journalism at the University of Washington for five years, then joined SRI International (formerly Stanford Research Institute) where he served as an international management consultant for 25 years. His particular area of expertise was Survey Research. He developed the Lifestyle Survey which he utilized in several contracts. Among his clients were governments, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Norway, as well as British Telecom, Japanese automotive companies, and the State of Hawaii. He also coached his kids' soccer teams, traveled, loved photography, and helped to guide those around him to achieve their goals. Following his retirement in 1994, Mr. and Mrs. Ruggels purchased a Victorian home in Lindsborg, Kansas. They spent many hours restoring it to its original appearance, inside and out. The home was listed on the National Registry and Kansas State Roster of Historic Homes in 1999. Survivors of Mr. Ruggels include: his wife of 50 years, his three children, Scott Ruggels of Los Angeles California, Michelle (Richard Hillis) Ruggels of San Francisco, California, and Craig (Calei) Ruggels of Santa Rosa California, six grandchildren, Ashlee, Olivia, Landon Ruggels, and Margaret, Liam, and Elliot Hillis. He also leaves behind his beloved sister Sandra Davis, many relatives and friends. A graveside service will be held 2:30 pm Saturday, April 5, at Beverly Cemetery. Fellowship will follow at Beverly Community Hall, Beverly, Kansas. Memorials may be designated for Lindsborg Community Foundation in care of Christians Funeral Home 103 N. Washington, PO Box 386, Lindsborg, KS 67456. Online condolences at www.ChristiansFuneralHome.com