Ruth Kreidler

Ruth Wiggins (Muffie) Kreidler died February 24th, 2020, 10 days after her 99th birthday.

Muffie will always be remembered as a warm loving friend to all who knew her. Her sense of humor, even in her later years, was an inspiration. She will be greatly missed by numerous friends and family.

Ruth was born Florence Ruth Wiggins to Maynard Wiggins and Mary (Hogan) Wiggins, at their home in Interlaken New York. She was the youngest of 4 children. 2 boys and 2 girls. She graduated from Interlaken High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree from Cornell University in Ithaca N.Y.

While attending Cornell she met Walter B (Bud) Kreidler, a farmer and 2nd Lieutenant in the Army. They were married on September 19th, 1943, changing her name to Ruth Wiggins Kreidler. Her “legal” name made little difference as she was known as Muffie to friends and family. As a child (and all her life) she had a fear and dislike for spiders which caused her father to call her “Little Miss Muffet”. Shortened to Muff or Muffie by her siblings the nickname stuck with her all her life.

Muffie and Bud had 4 sons, Lee W (Janine), Thomas M (Carol), William J, and Richard D.

Raising her boys on the farm was a full time job until they were all in school. Ruth then returned to school and earned her Masters of Education from the College of Saint Rose in Albany N.Y.   At the urging of the local elementary principal she taught 2nd grade for more than 10 years.

While Bud was overseas, during World War II, Muffie worked at a US Army Ordinance Depot, counting and “testing” bombs. When the boys were grown, she worked in a bookstore. She’d have done it for free. It was her dream job.

Muffie and Bud lived in several parts of New York State before moving to Florida. In 2000 they made their final move to Grand Junction, Co.

Muffie attended First Presbyterian Church in Grand Junction until health issues slowed her down. Then she faithfully read Pastor Tom’s sermon every week, as provided by visitors from the church.

In her 90s, Muffie joined a “Singles” group and derived great pleasure from their companionship and outings.

Muffie or Aunt Muff was the last of her generation in the family and she enjoyed her position as Matriarch. Nieces and nephews across the country kept in touch, relishing her advice and sharp wit.

She was friendly to all and maintained her playful sense of humor with family, friends and neighbors. She worried about everyone and prayed for all.

Ruth was preceded in death by: her beloved husband, “Bud”; and sons Bill and Tom.

She is survived by: sons Lee (Janine) and Richard; Daughter-in-law Carol (Tom); Grandchildren, Sean (Heather), Katie (Matt) Brown, Lisa (Bill) Holle, Kassy (Joe) Scalone, and Carey (Steve) Ross; Great Grandchildren, Courtney, Kaley, Canon, and Karsen Kreidler; Liam, Lily, and Holly Scalone; Matthew and Parker Holle, and many adoring nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be at March 7th, 2020 at 2:30 pm.

First Presbyterian Church

3940 27 ½ Road

Grand Junction, Co. 81506

Internment will be at a later date in the Kreidler family plot at Rogersville Cemetery, Rogersville, New York

Memorial Contributions may be made to:

First Presbyterian Church

Hope West Hospice

3090 North 12th St