Ruth Robinson Duccini

1918 - 2014

Ruth Robinson Duccini

1918 - 2014

BORN

1918

DIED

2014

Ruth Duccini Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 16, 2014.
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Ruth Robinson Duccini, the last of the original female Munchkins from the 1939 movie "The Wizard of Oz," has died. She was 95.

With her death, only one actor who played one of the original 124 Munchkins in the movie remains alive.

Duccini died of natural causes in Solari Hospice Care Center in Las Vegas on Thursday.

Her death was confirmed by Stephen Cox, author of "The Munchkins of Oz." He says he learned of it from Duccini's son.

Duccini, born in Rush City, Minn., traveled to California with a troupe little people, and was cast in the MGM fantasy movie starring Judy Garland. Duccini was 4 feet tall.

Cox provided a recent statement made by Duccini about her time on the movie set.

"It was long hours and heavy costumes. We didn't have much time for ourselves. It was all new to me then, and I loved being a part of what is now a classic," she said.

Duccini met her husband while working at MGM, and the two had a son and daughter.

She worked as a "Rosie the Riveter" in Santa Monica, Calif., during World War II, using her short stature to squeeze into hard-to-reach parts of planes. She also appeared in the spoof "Under the Rainbow" starring Chevy Chase and Carrie Fisher.

In her later years, Duccini appeared at festivals and screenings celebrating "The Wizard of Oz."

The only surviving original Munchkin is Jerry Maren, 93, of Los Angeles, who portrayed a member of the Lollipop Guild.




Copyright © 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Sign Ruth Duccini's Guest Book

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July 9, 2017

Ernest Papazides posted to the memorial.

March 7, 2016

Allison Dupont posted to the memorial.

January 16, 2015

Harry Simpson posted to the memorial.

43 Entries

Ernest Papazides

July 9, 2017

We met this lovely person in Binghamton for OZ fest. She was a great person. May she rest in peace.

Allison Dupont

March 7, 2016

Never forgotten, Rest in Peace, sweet Angel.

Harry Simpson

January 16, 2015

Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.

Linda Costa

January 1, 2015

Fred, We met in July 2007 When you and your Mom came to the Lancaster Opera House in Lancaster,, NY for a Munchkins reunion. I took your Mom to Niagara Falls as she wanted to see the Falls once. Just found out about her death and am so sorry! She was a lovely lady....Linda Costa

March 17, 2014

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

February 17, 2014

Sorry to hear about your loss. James 4:8 says draw close to God and he will draw close to you.

February 12, 2014

MAY OUR GOD AND CREATOR BE WITH THE FAMILY.CONDOLENCE TO YOU..........

Kathy

February 5, 2014

Ruth lived in the same Retirement facility as my father. She always was cheerful, talkative and had a great smile. I will always remember her. She was a great lady

Leia

January 31, 2014

Mrs. Duccini will always be remembered for her acting . My heartfelt condolences to the family and friends. By reading John 11:38-44 may you find comfort and hope .

joan

January 26, 2014

you and the others have been a large inspiration to all of us and may your friends and family have happiness like we enjoyed your hard work and enjoyment that we still enjoy today.

Denae Burns

January 26, 2014

You shall be missed. you gave my family, so much Joy and Happiness, in good times and bad, you gave hope in our dreams, thank you,a fan forever, Bless your family.

Denae Burns

January 26, 2014

God Bless, may you rest in eternal peace.you shall never be for gotten,always in our prayers, you are a legacy,

rose mary battle

January 26, 2014

i enjoy watching the movie as an child,an i still do.Rest in peace.

M Rochester

January 25, 2014

My condolences to the family of Ms. Ruth Robinson Duccini. May the hearer of prayer bring you comfort. Psalms 62:2

Loretta

January 23, 2014

Condolences to the family of Ms. Ruth Robinson Duccini,

As you can see from the overall thoughts and sentiments in this guest book we will always hold a special place in our hearts for the acting talent of dear Ms. Ruth Robinson Duccini.
 
Find comfort in knowing that she is in God's memory, with so many others of our dear ones.  Draw close to family and friends for support during these difficult times and from the comforting scriptural citations and encouraging thoughts  in this wonderful guest book.

Suzette Mires

January 23, 2014

Rip Ruth robinson Duccini

T Williams

January 21, 2014

It's truly amazing that the show has been around that long. Ms. Duccini's contributions are greatly remembered. She has definitely had "special mightiness" ~Psalms 90:10. Many prayers are with you.

Dee

January 21, 2014

My condolences to Ruth's family and friends. May prayer give you relief at this sad time. Psalms 65:2

January 21, 2014

YOUR MOTHER WAS PART OF ALL ARE MEMORIES OF THE WIZARD OF OZ. I THANK YOU FOR SHARING HER WITH US.
SHERRY CREAGAN DELOACH DECATUR MI

January 20, 2014

And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and exult in my people; No more will there be heard in her the sound of weeping or a cry of distress.”(Isa 65:19) Wonderful promise and heartfelt prayers go out for all the families and friends.

Paul & Marilyn Crocker

January 20, 2014

We were saddened to hear of your loss.
We send our deepest sympathy.

JW

January 20, 2014

Psalms 90:10 describes the years of life and what can be expected in the later years. My sincere condolences to the family.

linda and jack beth

January 19, 2014

My husband and I had the pleasure of knowing this wonderfull woman she will be missed our love to her family

Barbara Evans and Family

January 19, 2014

Ruth was a wonderful woman and a strong supporter of Oz-Stravaganza! in Chittenango. We shall treasure every memory of her visits here and our thoughts and prayers go to Fred and all of her family.

Faith tobin

January 18, 2014

Dear Robinson Duccini Family my condolences's to the Family and I heard.my name is Faith Tobin and she'll be missed very very much.luv,Faith

Wanda

January 18, 2014

I'm very sorry for your loss. I did not know her personally but I have loss loved ones in death. It is so difficult to cope with the pain and flood of other emotions common during these trying times. Rely on God to comfort you and your family in your time of need. God is able and willing to comfort you.

James Willner

January 18, 2014

May the eternal light shine upon her.....

January 18, 2014

I look forward to the time when death will be no more. Until then may God of comfort be with the family in the days ahead.

January 18, 2014

May the "peace of God" be with you. Phillipians 4:6.

January 18, 2014

We are never prepared for death so please find comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be no more for this has been promised us. So please accept my condolences for your loss.

DStallings

January 17, 2014

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

michelle plakas-kaiser

January 17, 2014

rip

Alison Sargent

January 17, 2014

Although I did not know her personally I am one of many who has received a lot of pleasure in watching the Wizard of Oz...again and yet again.

Jane Dowling

January 17, 2014

God bless you and your loved ones ~ Thank you for the joy that will continue forever! Rest in peace.

January 17, 2014

With the passing of Ms. Robinson Duccini, that just leaves our dear Jerry Maren, a member of the Lollipop Guild (the one who actually handed Dorothy the lollipop) as still living. Surely, one of my greatest memories will remain interviewing and spending the weekend with Jerry, the late Margaret Pellegrini, and the late Clarence "Shorty" Swensen, when they visited Bloomington, Indiana (and Indiana University) in the Summer of 2000, commemorating the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the writing of that great, great book, "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz."

Rest in peace, Ruth. And, thank you for being part of what is, perhaps, the greatest film of all time.

Evelyn Powers,
Community Liaison
Oz Centenntial Convention
Bloomington, Indiana

January 17, 2014

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Annie

January 17, 2014

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Scott Chamberland

January 17, 2014

Rest in Peace

Dwain Davis

January 17, 2014

Ruth Robinson Duccini may the joy you brought millions on the Hollywood screen be yours everlasting in the hereafter. Rest in Peace. My deepest condolences to the Duccini family.

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Not sure what to say?

July 9, 2017

Ernest Papazides posted to the memorial.

March 7, 2016

Allison Dupont posted to the memorial.

January 16, 2015

Harry Simpson posted to the memorial.