Thurlene J. Ruggels

Thurlene Jean (Larkins) Ruggels, of Russell, KS, was born August 23, 1931, in Republic KS to Clifford H. and Evelyn (Neil) Larkins. She went to her heavenly home on March 25, 2025, after a brave battle with cancer.

Most of Thurlene’s early life was spent in Burr Oak, KS with her siblings, Beverly and Ronald and parents. Midway through high school she moved in with her mother’s brother and wife, Lee and Helen Neil, of Courtland, KS where she graduated from high school. Her love of music led her to Bethany College where she studied for two years before accepting a teaching position in Natoma, KS with plans to save sufficient funds to return to Bethany. The trajectory of Miss Larkins’ future was altered when local bachelor, Paul Ruggels, espied the new teacher from his seat in the Methodist Church Choir. The couple married on June 22, 1952, and were the parents of four children: Paula, Thomas, Pamela and Vance. Paul preceded her in death on May 16, 2000.

Thurlene enjoyed a full and fruitful life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, teacher, restauranteur and banker. After her marriage, she received both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Fort Hays State College and also received a post-secondary degree from the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Under her leadership as CEO of what is now Southwind Bank, operations were expanded to include an office in Russell, KS. Thurlene served many years as President of the Bank and Chairman of the Board.

Mrs. Ruggels was also active in many organizations and committees. As a member of St. John Lutheran Church, she delighted in sharing her musical talents in the bell choir and as pianist for Saturday evening services. At age 93, Thurlene was still reading books, watching Royals and Chiefs games, and hosting family celebrations. One of her life’s passions was time spent playing bridge, and even at 93 years old she took great pleasure in getting high score at bridge club. She could recite all 105 Kansas counties alphabetically and was especially proud that her great grandmother was a flag bearer at one of the Lincoln/Douglas debates.

Meticulous in all her dealings, she often shared her guiding proverb with her grandchildren. “Be the labor great or small, do it right or not at all.”

Thurlene is survived by her sister, Beverly Siegel of Bremerton, WA, children Paula Hachmeister of Russell, Tom (Lissa) Ruggels of Steilacoom, WA, Pam (Steve) Eickhoff of Raymore, MO, and Vance (Stephani) Ruggels of Russell as well as eleven grandchildren, twelve great grandchildren, and a host of friends.

Cremation has been selected by the family. A celebration of Thurlene’s life will be held at 11 A.M. on Friday, May 02, 2025, at the St. John Lutheran Church in Russell, Kansas. The graveside service will be held later that day at 2 P.M. at the Natoma City Cemetery in Natoma, Kansas. The family will greet guests on the day of the service at the church. Memorials may be given to the Thurlene Ruggels Memorial Fund and sent in care of the mortuary. Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary is in charge of the memorial service arrangements.