Teressa Elaine Ruggles

Teressa Elaine Ruggles December 3, 1971 – December 9, 2025

Teressa Elaine Ruggles, lovingly known by many as Momma T, passed away peacefully in her home on December 9, 2025, surrounded by the love she spent her life giving so freely. Born on December 3, 1971, to Opal Morris and Thomas Morris Sr., Teressa grew up in Paola, Kansas, alongside her brothers, Tommy Morris and the late Timmy Morris.

Teressa graduated from Paola High School in 1990 and continued her education at Neosho Community College, where she proudly played on the softball team. After college, she returned to Paola and worked at Apple Market in Spring Hill. Then in 2004, her and Tommy started Design 4 Sports where she ran production and spent fourteen years as a dedicated screen printer. In 2018, she began her work at Lakemary Center as an Administrative Assistant, where she remained until her passing. Her coworkers were touched by her kindness, humor, and genuine heart.

On September 25, 2003, Teressa married the love of her life, Matt Ruggles. Together they built a life filled with laughter, devotion, and countless shared moments—like watching WWE wrestling side by side. Teressa was a proud and loving mother to Dailey Mitchell and Cooper Ruggles, her greatest joys and the very reason she fought so fiercely for so long.

Teressa loved sports of any kind, and rarely a day passed without her asking, “Are there any sports on?” She found joy in the simple things—laughing with her family, supporting her kids, being present, and giving love without hesitation.

In 2011, Teressa was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. With strength that inspired everyone around her, she battled bravely for 15 years. Through hope, faith, and the love of her family and friends, she faced each day with courage and grace. She attended every family gathering she could, and even on her hardest days, she showed up. Her perseverance was nothing short of extraordinary.

T’s presence was a gift. She had a way of lighting up any room just by walking into it. She saw the good in everyone—always. She gave the best hugs, the kind that made you feel safe, understood, and loved. And love was something she gave freely. Whether she had known you for thirty years or thirty minutes, she wasn’t shy about telling you she loved you—and she always meant it. People didn’t just meet her; they felt her. Her warmth, her sincerity, and her open heart made every person she encountered feel valued.

Her family firmly believes that anyone who met Teressa walked away a better person. She was the person who remembered every birthday, showed up for every milestone she could, and wrapped every moment in love. She cherished her family more than anything, and she lived each day with courage and compassion that made her truly unforgettable.

As Momma T would say, “I love you.”

Funeral Service Information: A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, December 15, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Lighthouse Church, located at 1402 E 303rd St, Paola, Kansas 66071. Family and friends are invited to gather, share memories, and celebrate a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that no floral arrangements be sent. Contributions may be made instead to support funeral expenses and related needs.