Naomi Ruth Wiggins Breland

Naomi Ruth Wiggins Breland passed away in her home in Hammond, Louisiana on Tuesday evening, March 24, 2026. She was 68 years old. She was born on December 20, 1957, the 9" child of Polly (Naomi Price) and Johnny (Ralph) Wiggins Sr.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Polly ad Johnny along with her siblings, Patsy (2004), Steve (2006) and Ralph Jr. (2021).

She leaves behind her loving husband, and a host of siblings and their families who include: Eugene (Marilyn Funk) Debbie, Lori, Peggy, Keith; Shirley Carter (Jim) Chris, Kendra; Ralph (Pat Shimkus, mother of their two sons, Shawn and Brad Wiggins) Sallie Tatro and Lora Lee; Jim (Nancy Weinberg, mother of Colby and Paul Wiggins, Kelly and Richard Wodehouse), Rebel Trott, Carol Howell; Patsy (aka Patrish) (Michael Eschmann); Kathy (Randall Prusacki) and (Michael Larchick); Steven (Martha Kash) and (Sharon Eaton); Frances Wiggins, son and daughter, Lorne Michael and Kathryn Nicole Wiggins.

In 1983, Ruth accompanied her sister Fran and nephew Michael to Hammond Louisiana where she met and married Stephen Breland, her husband of 40 years. Ruth graduated from high school in DuQuoin, Illinois, class of 1975. She continued her education at John A. Logan college where she received her degree in childcare. She retired from O'Reilly Auto Parts after 25 wonderful years of service. She truly enjoyed her family and her retirement years. Ruth and Steve were avid fans of Mardi Gras, celebrating with The New Orleans Krewe of Endymion for more than 25 years, participating in their annual balls and riding floats each “Fat Tuesday.” Although Ruth and Steve never had biological children, their niece and nephew, Nikki Wiggins and Michael Wiggins filled that spot in their hearts. Nikki and Michael spent a great deal of their childhood with their "YaYa and Pots". Theirs is a special love for their Aunt Ruth and Uncle Steve. Ruth was also an honorary grandmother to Nikki and Michael’s six children. Ruth passed away suddenly while she was home alone with her two favorite cats, Minion and Winston. Her cats were so protective of her that they stood guard after she passed until help arrived and it is obvious they are missing her now.

There will be a graveside service for family and close friends at Greenlawn Cemetery in Hammond, Louisiana on Good Friday, April 3rd at 3:00pm. A Celebration of Life will take place with her family in DuQoin, Illinois in September 2026. There will also be a Celebration of Life at a later date in Louisiana.

Her husband, Steve requested friends and family direct any memorials they wish to contribute to Shriners Hospitals for Children at www.shrinerschildrens.org.

Ruth is loved and greatly missed by all who knew her. We are confident she was welcomed home by a large crowd of her family which no doubt includes her beloved cats, Pishme, Boomer and Armali who went home early and paved her way. We love you, YaYa.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home and Crematory of Hammond and Ponchatoula. An on-line guest book is available at www.harrymckneely.com.