Jennie Helen Ruiz

Mrs. Ruiz was born Jennie Helen Damico on December 21, 1937 and was the seventh child of the late Carlo and Mary Scaccia Damico. Along with her siblings, she was born first generation Italian-American. Mrs. Ruiz was the beloved wife of the late Joseph Paul Ruiz, Sr. for 48 years. She was the loving and devoted mother of Jan Ruiz and wife Cyndi Ruiz of Labadieville, Jane Aucoin of Bayou L’Ourse, Jo Anne Bergeron and husband Daniel Bergeron of Bayou Vista, Joan Stoot and husband Wayne Stoot of Houma, Albert Ruiz and wife Stormy Ruiz of Bayou L’Ourse, and Joseph Ruiz, Jr. and wife Randi Ruiz of Houma. She was an adoring grandmother to Jason Bailey; Desiree Richard and husband Dwayne Richard; Terrance Aucoin, Jr. and wife Alana Aucoin; Justin Hebert; Joshua Ruiz; Jonathan Aucoin and wife Jennifer Aucoin; Misty Ruiz; Jade Ruiz; Chantal Ruiz; Aimee Bergeron; Bethany Ruiz; Abigail Bergeron; Beverly Ruiz; Taylor Stoot; Baily Ruiz; and Sunnie Redmond. Mrs. Ruiz is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Hannah, Luke, and Kate Bailey; Brianna and Aidan Richard; Kaymen Talbot; and twin boys due in June.

Mrs. Ruiz was the youngest sister of Annie Deris, Carlo “C. J.” Damico, Rose Ann Deeters, and the late Mary Martin, Salvador “Sam” Damico, and Philip Damico. She was the beloved daughter-in-law of the late Albert and Eugenie Badeaux Ruiz.

Mrs. Ruiz was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Terrance Aucoin, Sr., a daughter-in-law, Nancy Ruiz, and a grandson, Jeffery Beadle, Jr.

Mrs. Ruiz was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, confidante, and friend. She was well known for her collection of recipes and her ability to bring them to life. Everyone was invited to dine at her table and those who did knew they were in store for something wonderful. Mrs. Ruiz enjoyed sharing her culinary talent with her children and grandchildren often teaching them the art of cuisine and the significance behind making a meal meaningful. One of the most vital elements to this was the conversation and bonding experience that went along with this experience.

To her, life was all about family and togetherness. She adored her children and grandchildren and took pride in each and every one of them. She instilled a wealth of love and respect in everyone encouraging them to follow their goals and ambitions and not to settle for anything less than perfection. Mrs. Ruiz was passionate about her family; she was their quintessential matriarch.

From the annual Italian fig cookie tradition to gumbos to spaghettis, Mrs. Ruiz could master it all. She had a discerning palate and wasn’t afraid to use it. She enjoyed singing and listening to good music, playing various card games with relatives and friends, trips to the casino, and especially the game, “Scrabble.”

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Wednesday, May 29, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. until 10 p.m. at HARGRAVE FUNERAL HOME in Morgan City. Visitation will resume on Thursday, May 30, 2013 at 8:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morgan City with a Mass of Christian burial beginning at 11:00 a.m. with Father Greg Fratt officiating. Interment will follow Mass at the Morgan City Cemetery.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at St. Joseph Hospice for their care and support during Mrs. Ruiz’s illness.