Josie Venterella Ruffino

Josie Venterella Ruffino passed away peacefully at her residence on Tuesday, July 5th at the age of 91. Beloved wife of 71 years to Louis Salvador Ruffino, Jr. of Baton Rouge, LA. Loving mother of Louis Ruffino III (Thérèse), Ronnie Ruffino (Sandy), and Rhonda Ruffino. Grandmother of Louis Ruffino IV, Michael Ruffino, Marissa Ruffino Coulon, Alesa Ruffino, Rachel Ruffino, Olivia Ruffino, and Grant Ruffino. Great-Grandmother of Eleanor Ruffino, Adeline Ruffino, and Luciana Coulon. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her son, Robert Gregory Ruffino; her parents, Salvador J. and Frances Gaeto Venterella; and siblings, Ann V. Costa, Carlo Venterella, Tony Venterella, Jenny V. Santora, and Sarah V. Ruffino.

Josie was a telephone switchboard operator for 16 years with AT&T. Together with her husband Louis, they owned and operated Sherwood TV and Appliances since 1969, which still serves the Baton Rouge community today. She was a faithful and active parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church since 1960, serving on The Candle Ministry, volunteering for school and church events. She was also a member of Women’s Auxiliary of American Legion Unit 38. The most precious gift to Josie was her family. She cherished family dinners, vacations, holidays, and family reunions.

Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate her life at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church at 445 Marquette Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70806 on Saturday, July 9th from 9:00 AM until Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow in Greenoaks Memorial Park, 9595 Florida Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA 70815.

Pallbearers Louis Ruffino IV, Michael Ruffino, Grant Ruffino, Anthony Ruffino, Mike Gullick, Kerry Owen Thomas, Charles Santora, and Louis J. Ruffino Jr.

Please visit www.greenoaksfunerals.com to leave condolences to the Ruffino family.