Raymond Ruggles

Raymond Richard "Ray" Ruggles, 91, passed away on August 7, 2026. He was born on August 23, 1934, and lived a life filled with family, service, hard work, adventure, sports, photography, and a genuine love of life.

Ray graduated from Burden High School and attended Emporia State Teachers College before being drafted into the United States Army. He proudly served for two years, attaining the rank of Sergeant working as a field artillery crewman. Following active duty, he served in the Army National Guard. While in the Army, Ray continued his love of basketball by playing on the Army basketball team and traveling throughout Europe. Those experiences gave him a lifelong appreciation for travel, adventure, and seeing the world.

Following his military service, Ray began a long career with Vulcan Chemicals, where he worked as a Switch Engine Operator. He retired in 1996 after 37 years of dedicated service.

On March 12, 1960, Ray married Ilene Ballinger. Together, they shared more than six decades of marriage, building a loving family and a life filled with travel, laughter, sports, photography, and countless memories.

Sports were an important part of Ray's life from an early age. Growing up, he played both baseball and basketball and was talented enough to spend two seasons on the farm team for the St. Louis Cardinals. His enthusiasm for sports continued throughout his life. He coached his son in baseball for many seasons and later took up golf, tennis, and biking. Snow skiing, water skiing, and boating were also activities that the family enjoyed together over the years.

Golf eventually became one of Ray's greatest passions. His favorite way to stay in shape was to spend most weekends on the golf course, playing with friends and participating in tournaments. He proudly displayed trophies of his two hole-in-one shots at Sim Golf Park. The first one was at hole #8 in 1977 and the second one was at hole #13 in 2008. 

Ray was an avid photographer, and he and Ilene loved to travel. Wherever they went, Ray was rarely without his camera. He photographed the places they visited, wildlife, beautiful scenery, sporting events, and, most importantly, the people he loved. His photographs became a treasured record of the family's adventures and the moments that mattered most to him.

Ray is survived by his wife, Ilene; his three children, Mark Ruggles of Overland Park, Kansas; Julie (Glen) McPherron of Wichita, Kansas; and Lisa (Brent) Bahner of Wichita, Kansas; and his sisters, Patricia Shipman and Joyce Crawford.

He was a proud grandfather to Austin (Megan) Bahner of Wichita, Kansas; Bailey Bahner of Portland, Oregon; Carly (Tyler) Pytel of Little Rock, Arkansas; Davis Bahner (Anna Kate) of Wichita, Kansas; and Evan Dolley of Milan, Kansas. He is also survived by two step-grandchildren, Evan (Summer) McPherron of Wichita, Kansas, and Jill (Andrew) Smith of Goddard, Kansas.

Ray was blessed with seven great-grandchildren: Tayler, Laken, Kamden, Ezra, Chloe, Levi, and Autumn.

He was preceded in death by his father, Doyle A. Ruggles; his mother, Pearl Buchanan; his stepmother, Edith Ruggles; and his stepfather, Les Buchanan.

Ray will be remembered for his devotion to Ilene and his family, his service to his country, his strong work ethic, his competitive spirit, and his enthusiasm for sports and adventure. He found joy in staying active, traveling with Ilene, playing golf with friends, watching and participating in sports, and capturing life's special moments through his camera.

Ray will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters, extended family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy will live on in the family he loved, the friendships he cherished, the photographs he left behind, and the countless memories created over his remarkable 91 years.  

Memorials have been established with:
Wichita Junior Golf Foundation
c/o Debbie Slater, Treasurer
512 N. Turnberry Cir.
Wichita, KS 67230
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Alzheimer's Association
535 W. Douglas, #150
Wichita, KS 67213