October 14, 86,
Keiko Narita Ruggles, formally of Goldsboro, died peacefully in her sleep early Friday morning, October 14, 2016. She was born in Aomori Prefecture, Japan on October 29, 1929. After her children were born, she moved to the United States and became a U.S. citizen in 1966. In 1982, Ms. Ruggles opened her business, Kay’s Alterations in Piccadilly Square before later relocating to its final destination on Berkeley Boulevard. She also sold Mary Kay Cosmetics.
Kay, as she was affectionately called, was known in the community for her outgoing personality and her love of her family. Her grandchildren called her “Bachan”. She was an avid Atlanta Braves and sports fan. Kay prided herself on her immaculate garden and pristine flowerbeds and yard.
She is survived by two children, daughter Emerie Combs and husband Gerald Combs of Nahunta and son David Ruggles and wife Debbie Ruggles of Hilton Head, SC. She also has five grandchildren, Angela Blake and husband Christopher Blake currently residing in Italy, Joshua Combs and Lynzie Vice of Nahunta, Trevor Ruggles of Fuquay-Varina, Russell Combs of Reidsville, and Jacob Ruggles of Raleigh. She has one great-grandchild, Logan Heath currently residing in Italy with his parents. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews in Japan.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister and brother, of Japan.
In keeping with Kay’s wishes, there will be no wake, service or memorial. In remembrance of Kay and her battle, the family asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of North Carolina via their website www.alz.org/nc or send donations to Alzheimer’s Association Eastern North Carolina Chapter, 3739 National Drive, Suite 110, Raleigh, NC 27612.