Odin Foster Ruggles

Odin Foster Ruggles, longtime Wynnewood resident, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024, in Stillwater, OK. He was born March 8, 1934, to Lellman Lee and Connie Alice (Foster) Ruggles in Hope, Arkansas. Odin was raised in the Daylight community west of Wynnewood. He attended school in Wynnewood, graduating high school with the class of 1952. On April 8, 1954, he married Shirley June Hays in Gainesville, TX. Odin and June made their home and raised their family in Wynnewood and were long time members of Hillcrest Baptist Church. They moved to Stillwater nine years ago to be closer to their daughters. Odin’s parents were vegetable farmers, specializing in cantaloupe and watermelon. This background shaped a strong work ethic and a passion for gardening. For many years Odin and June, and by extension Debbie and Leanne, grew a large garden. The excess was canned or shared with family, friends, and neighbors. A well-manicured lawn and beautiful flowers were also important. Even in his final days, Odin was still concerned about weeds in his flower bed. He was also a meticulous painter and wood finisher. Early in his life Odin was an LPN at the Pauls Valley State School. But he spent most of his working years at the Kerr McGee refinery, retiring after 43 years. The refinery job didn’t keep him busy enough. On his days off, he often worked with James Wolfe as a plumber’s helper. He also worked several years in maintenance for the Wynnewood Housing Authority. Finally, Odin served his community for 14 years on the Wynnewood City Council. As a councilor, he played an active role in establishing the Arbuckle Master Conservancy District, which provided Wynnewood a reliable water source starting in 1968. Odin was a charter member of Westside Baptist Church whose organizers included members of the Daylight community. With the construction of a new building, Westside became Hillcrest Baptist Church. Odin served his church spending countless hours working on the building and grounds. Odin was preceded in death by his parents, wife June, infant son Odin Foster, Jr., brother Howard Ruggles, and son-in-law Hank Jones. He is survived by his two daughters, Debbie and husband David Campbell of Stillwater and Leanne Jones of Guthrie; grandson Ryan and his wife Collyn Campbell, plus great grandchildren Blakely, Raja, and London of Oklahoma City; granddaughter Amanda and husband Anthony Centeno plus great grandchildren Lillian and Easton of Aubrey Texas, granddaughter Sarah Jones and great grandson Collier of Purcell, grandson Daxon and wife Vivian Jones and great grandchildren Declan and Mia of Edmond, sisters Alice Sue Brooks of Midwest City and Nelladel Combs of Durant, brother Dale Ruggles of North Richland Hills, TX, plus a number nephews, nieces, and friends. Thanks to Di Carper for Dads special care. - Family of Odin Ruggles Services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, December 23, at the Hillcrest Baptist Church in Wynnewood. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or a veteran’s charity of your choice. Services are under the direction of the DeArman Funeral Home.

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Odin Foster Ruggles

March 8, 1934 - December 15, 2024