Marian A. Ruggless

Marian A. Ruggless, age 92, of Grants Pass, Oregon died Friday, January 14, 2011 at an adult foster care home.
Born July 22, 1918 to Edwin H. and Mary (Abraham) Gerlach in Weyauwega, Wisconsin.
Enrolled at Lawrence Conservatory of Music in Appleton, Wisconsin in 1935.
Upon graduation, taught vocal music program in Newberry, Michigan schools for one year.
Returned to Appleton to teach choral music in Appleton High School and supervised Junior High School Music Programs for 14 years.
Upon receiving master's degree from Columbia University, she planned and administered a music facility and curriculum at Glenbrook North, a new high school built in 1953 in Northbrook, Illinois where she was supervisor of instrumental and vocal music.
During the 20 years of service in the Glenbrook Schools, she did further study in history, philosophy and music at University of Wisconsin, University of Missouri (Missoula), and Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.
She frequently taught summer sessions at Northeastern Illinois (Chicago University), University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and served as clinician and guest conductor of music contests and festivals in Illinois and Wisconsin.
She served on High School Accreditation Committees in Northeastern, Illinois, as
President of Chicago area Music Educators Association ('In and About Chicago Music Educator's Association') and as President of Glenbrook Teachers Education Association.
On Jan 7, 1989, the Glenbrook North community dedicated a Bosendorfer Imperial Concert Grand Piano in North School’s Sheely Fine Arts Centerin her honor 15 years after her retirement.
During periods of leave spent with Operation Crossroads, Africa, she taught African teachers in the Demonstration School of Monrovia, Liberia. She collected parables, children's games, and native African rhythm and songs from tribal communities in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Dakar. On her second trip to Liberia she was sponsored by the Liberian government Department of Education. During a visit to Sierra Leone she was presented a 'Key to the City of Freetown'. She lived on the campus of the University of Dakar for a brief period.
Other travels included a freighter trip to Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Taipei and Hong Kong, and visits to every state in America and much of Canada.
Upon retirement in 1973, she married Professor Charles B. Ruggless, Humbolt State University in Arcata, California. They came to Grants Pass in 1975 where she has been active in support of the Rogue Valley Symphony and Community Concert Series. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church, St. Paul’s Ladies’ Guild (LWML) and Church Women United, where she readily shared her musical talents for any occasion.
Marian was an avid letter writer to numerous special friends and former students across the country. She enjoyed nature’s beauty, flowers and was a master at crossword puzzles. She especially treasured her phone conversations and visits with friends and relatives.
Preceded in death by her husband, Charles, brother, Melvin Gerlach, and sister-in-law, Carol, she is survived by five nephews - Terrence, Charles, Richard,Dennis and Mark Gerlach; one niece - Ellen Teal; seven-grand-nieces and nephews and five great-grand-nieces and nephews.
Contributions may be made to Grants Pass High School Foundation, Inc. for the Marian A. Ruggless Scholarship Fund, 111 SE 6th St., Grants Pass OR 97526, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 865 NW 5th St., Grants Pass OR 97526, Lawrence Conservatory of Music, Lawrence University, P O Box 599, Appleton WI 54972, or Lovejoy Hospice, 939 SE 8th St., Grants Pass OR 97526.
A memorial service will be at 12:30 p.m., Monday, January 31, 2011 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Grants Pass. Private interment will be at Eagle Point National Cemetery. Hull & Hull Funeral Directors are in charge of arrangements.