Annie Lee (Gordy) Ruggs

Annie L. (Gordy) Ruggs, age 81, of Gary, Indiana, began her heavenly rest on Tuesday, January 28, 2025. Annie was born on Feburary 22, 1943, to Willie and Mary Lou Gordy, in Pittsview, Alabama.

Annie attended school at Froebel, and worked, for a time, at Bryan Manufacturing Company. Annie was most proud of her work at home, caring for the family she built with the love of her life, James L. Ruggs, Sr., and their two children, Phyllis Ruggs-Hayes, and James Ruggs, Jr.

Annie was a generous worshipper; a woman of prayer and great grace. She served her church community for many years at Full Gospel Apostolic Church, and later Mount Hermon Apostolic Church.

Annie exercised her faith to persevere against the effects of chronic illness for several years. She managed each detail of her home, from creating and mending garments with surgical precision to crafting her own recipes for pound cakes, banana breads and puddings. She made masterpieces of tomatoes and greens grown in the family garden and tended to her pink and red rose bushes with care. The secret ingredient for it all was a healthy dose of her love.

Annie's husband of 47 years, James Ruggs, Sr., and brother, Willie Gordy, Jr., preceded her in death.

To cherish her memory and carry forward her legacy, Annie leaves behind her children, Phyllis Ruggs-Hayes of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and James Ruggs, Jr., of Gary, Indiana; granddaughter, Nicole (Jared) Swanegan; great-granddaughters, Norah, Emerie, and Josie Swanegan, all of Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was loved by many, including her sister, Daisy Booker; the Ruggs family, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

Visitation will be Wednesday, February 5, 2025, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. with Homegoing Services 12:00 p.m.-1:00 p.m. from Ridgelawn Funeral Home 4201 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408.  Rev. Reecinda Burns, officiating. Interment Ridgelawn Cemetery 4401 West Ridge Road Gary, Indiana 46408.

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