Anita Etta Ruggles' Obituary
Anita Etta Ruggles (née Fiedler) passed away peacefully at her home in Boynton Beach, FL, on January 10, 2026, with her husband and two children by her side.
From her birth on September 23, 1947, in New York, New York, Anita was a social butterfly with a tremendous intelligence and desire to work hard. Always at the top of her class, Anita received a full scholarship to college, graduating in 1968 as a licensed Registered Nurse.
Anita met her husband of 57 years, Dennis Ruggles, at a City pool in 1965. After Anita and Dennis were married on June 15, 1968, they moved to Northern Virginia, where Anita continued nursing at various hospitals. She was an excellent diagnostician with a gentle bedside manner, and her skills and work ethic were highly respected by all who knew her.
Shortly after Anita and Dennis’ children, Pamela and Wendy, arrived in 1971, Anita saw a need for high quality children’s clothing at affordable prices. In 1977, utilizing her elegant style and business acumen, Anita, with Dennis’ support, began selling children’s clothing out of the basement of the family home. From that humble beginning, Anita’s Kids Place gradually grew to encompass 10 clothing stores and a warehouse in the DC Metro area.
Anita returned to nursing in 1996. In 2006, tired of the cold, Anita moved to Boynton Beach, FL, where she worked as the head nurse of a local home healthcare agency. Though Anita missed working after having a stroke in 2010, she threw her intellect and energies into volunteering and building lasting and loving relationships in her new community. People far and wide called her with medical concerns and for decorating tips, and Anita always offered sage advice and design critiques with humor and love.
Anita’s immense intelligence and fun-loving nature drove her to go anywhere and do everything, especially if the outing involved shopping, going to the movies, or dining out. No matter the adventure, Anita just needed a few minutes to “throw on” the perfect outfit and fix her face first. Whether heading to work, attending a show or lecture, or exercising (kibbitzing really) with her friends, Anita always dressed to the nines. She relished the beautiful homes and life she created for herself and for Dennis and her family.
Anita was a fierce wife and mother who expressed her love often and a loyal friend who would do anything for the people she loved and almost anything for strangers. She loved to gather her people close at the many festive parties she and Dennis threw for family and friends. We who were lucky to know her were blessed to laugh with her often. We will carry her love and her creative and silly spirit with us always.
Anita is survived by her husband Dennis, her daughters Pamela and Wendy, her son in law Robert, her sister Clara, and her grandchildren Brandon and his wife Jesika, Hayden, and Jaymee.
Services will be held on January 13, 2026, at 1pm at Beth Israel in Boynton Beach. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Trustbridge Hospice Foundation by clicking here, or the Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League by clicking here. Anita would love it if, when you remember her, you pass on the love you feel for her and her family in acts of kindness to others in her honor.
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