Lillian D. Ruggles

Lillian Ruggles, whose kindness, creativity, and joyful spirit left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her, passed away on February 25th at the age of 77.

Lillian was a person who made the world feel warmer, especially with her exquisitely handmade quilts. She was beloved by so many for her warmth, her kindness, her humor, and her generosity. Her greatest joy was her family and friends, whom she supported wholeheartedly and celebrated at every opportunity.

One of her many gifts was making others feel welcome and cared for—often involving her amazing food, be it with something as simple as a conspiratorial smile as she handed you one of her homemade cookies, or laughing with the people around the table over a bowl of her matzoh ball soup. She had a particular fondness for New York–style bagels, black and white cookies, and arriving at a gathering with something she has baked.

A passionate quilter, Lillian also expressed her love through fabric and thread, hand stitching together not only beautiful works of art but memories for her family and friends. Each quilt she made was a reflection of her patience, creativity, love of color and florals, and the care she put into everything she did. Her creative legacy will live on in her many quilts that she generously made for her family and friends.

Lillian is survived by her daughter Laurel Carter (Charles), Dave Ruggles, sister Yvonne Madera Jaffe, brothers Ronald and Marc Durchfort, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews who will carry forward her legacy of kindness, creativity, and connection. She was preceded in death by her daughter Kara Fallon and brother David Durchfort.

A memorial service will be held at 10 am on Saturday, March 7th at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary and Crematory; 850 Keokuk Street in Petaluma.

Lillian’s life was a quilt of love, laughter, and giving—stitched together with care and meant to keep others warm. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.