Ruth Mary Gross Tufts

Ruth Mary Gross Tufts passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home early Sunday, July 28, 2019, at the age of 90. She was the beloved wife for 41 years of the late James D. “J.D.” Tufts II. She was the loving mother of the late J. David Tufts III (Claudia), Linda Tufts Hebbler (George), the late Thomas N. Tufts, Robert G. Tufts (Lori), and Frederick J. Tufts (Marie). She was the proud grandmother of Ashley Tufts (Andrew), Jay Tufts, Madison Tufts, Paul Hebbler (Dani), Lauren Hebbler, Katherine Hebbler, Erin Cartier (Rorie), Christie Tufts, Stephanie Salzer (Kyle), Brianna Schmitt, Hailey Schmitt, Mark Tufts (Kaitlyn), Clayton Tufts, Andrew Tufts, Jack Tufts, and Jordan Tufts. She was the great-grandmother of Hailey Hebbler and Sloane Tufts. She was preceded in death by her parents, James A. Gross and Victoria Glas Gross, and by her sisters, Estelle Hart and Doris Foto Terrel. She is survived by her sister, Shirley Buddendorff Sanders. Ruth was born in New Orleans on April 17, 1929, grew up in uptown, and attended Eleanor McMain High School and Newcomb College. She was married to J.D. in 1951 and raised her five children in Lake Terrace. Besides being a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother, Ruth was an accomplished artist and showed her art through Lampe Gallery for decades. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and going to Pensacola Beach. She lived life to the fullest and lit up every room she entered. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Mass on Saturday, August 3, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m., and a graveside service will follow at Lake Lawn Park, 5454 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Grace House New Orleans at www.bridgehouse.org/support-us/donate, or by mail to Bridge House Corporation, 4150 Earhart Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70125.