Mary Gloria Ruiz

Mary Gloria Simoneaux Ruiz, affectionately known as “Mama Roux” passed away on March 28, 2023 at the age of 89. She is survived by her children Mary Ruiz (Dennis Wilkison), Pam Fontenot, Patrick Ruiz (Natalie), Angie Ruiz and Mike Ruiz (Sutton), her grandchildren John (Ainsley), Jesse, Caroline (Bryant), Madeline (Alex), Jeff and Gloria and her great grandchildren Grayson, Adley and Weslyn. She is preceded in death by her parents Stanislaus and Ezilda Simoneaux, her sister Beatrice Simoneaux, her husband John Ruiz Sr. and son John Ruiz Jr.

Gloria was born on her grandfather’s sugar cane farm on Bayou Lafourche where Cajun French was her first language. While raising her six children and caring for elders, she cherished friends from her neighborhood and her organizations. A deeply faith filled member of St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church for 53 years, she was active in the Altar Society, St. Therese Society, Joy Group and Bible Study Group. An avid gardener, she belonged to River Ridge and Shady Oaks Garden Clubs, where she served as President, Council of Garden Clubs, Jefferson Beautification and Longue Vue House and Garden. She also was the recipient of the St. Matthew the Apostle Parish Service Award.

Gloria will be remembered for her generosity of heart and love of beauty. She was a strong faith filled woman who loved life, her family, and friends, but most of all her Lord who she knew well in prayer and lived out her calling with a life of service to others. Gloria was a beautiful shining light and now God has welcomed her home into heaven saying, “Well done good and faithful servant, enjoy the rewards of heaven.”

In lieu of flowers, her wish is for each of us to do a kind deed in her memory for she truly believed it would change the world that needs so much love!
Family and friends are invited to the visitation on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 10:30am-12:30pm and the funeral mass at 12:30pm at St. Matthew the Apostle Catholic Church 10021 Jefferson Highway, River Ridge. A private burial is planned in St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Cemetery in Paincourtville, Louisiana after mass.
 

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