Obituary for Dee Anne Ruggs

Ponca City Now - July 7, 2023 4:30 pm

Dee Anne Ruggs

December 1, 1954 — July 3, 2023

Dee Anne Ruggs was born December 1, 1954 in Oklahoma City, OK, and passed July 3, 2023 in Tulsa, OK at the age of 68. She grew up in a loud and happy home with her parents, Johnnie Melvin Parnell and Marva Leeta (Sanders) Parnell, and her 3 siblings. During this time, she acquired her love for music, dance, and life.

After graduating in 1973, Dee Anne went to Oklahoma State University where she obtained her bachelor’s degree. She met her husband, Glenn Ruggs, in 1977, and they soon got married in 1978. They were married for 45 years.

In 1984, Dee Anne and Glenn had their first daughter, Emily, followed by Jenny in 1990. Dee Anne attended every single one of her daughters’ events, always supporting her children in any way she could. She lived and breathed for her daughters, and her daughters adored their mother more than anyone else in the world.

In addition to her family life, Dee Anne spent her career in family support for the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Upon retiring, Dee Anne worked several years for a private company before she began watching her grandbabies, Brady Edward Ruggs Weaver and Harper Anne Ruggs Weaver, who was named in Dee Anne’s honor. Affectionately known as “Mimi,” she spoiled and loved on those babies through her final days.

Throughout her life, she enjoyed travel, being with her family, watching movies, and being busy. She will forever remain a dedicated Oklahoma State Cowboy’s fan.

Dee Anne selflessly served her family, friends, and community. From her youth until her last breath, she anticipated the needs of others, making sure they did not want for anything she could provide. Dee Anne will fondly be remembered for her beautiful smile, embracing demeanor, and macaroni salad.

Dee Anne is survived by her loving husband, Glenn of Glenpool, OK, as well as her admiring daughters, Emily Ruggs Weaver and husband Cole Weaver of Coweta, OK, and Jenny Ruggs and husband Brian Wood of Broken Arrow, OK. Additionally, she leaves behind her sisters, Loree Parnell and Lisa Parnell, both of Ponca City, OK, and her brother Johnnie Parnell, Jr. and his wife Jammie of Gulfport, MS. She was preceded in death by her parents.

She will greatly be missed by all.

Dee Anne’s funeral will be held Monday, July 10, 2023, in the Sunset Baptist Church with Pastor Dennis Wildman officiating. Burial will follow in the Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery, where she will be buried next to her beloved parents. Pallbearers are Cole Weaver, Brian Wood, Bruce Ruggs, Steve Ruggs, Dennis Norman, Sean Love, and Johnnie Parnell.