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BORN
1934
DIED
2013
Lourdes Ruiz Obituary
1934-2013
Lourdes Manansala Ruiz joined our Lord in Heaven on January 25, 2013, at the age of 78. Beloved wife of 53 years to Justo Torres Ruiz. Matriarch of her large and loving family of siblings: Felicitas, Natividad, Benjamin, Alberto, Emmanuel, Edeliza, Alicia, and all their families from the Philippines to the United States to Canada. Loving mother of Jeddy M. Ruiz (Rosie), Therese R. Ritchie (David), Divinagrace R. Koonce (Robert), Paul Lawrence and Gisel Pineda. Devoted grandmother to 11 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Marygrace, Gabrielle, Felicia, Joseph Carlos, John Zachary, Joshua, Anthony, Chiara, Francesca, and Rafael. Lourdes was married to her junior high school sweetheart from her birthplace of Pampanga, Philippines. They paved the family's path to America shortly after they both graduated from Harvardian University - she in education, and he in accounting. She was a brave and courageous Navy wife to her husband while raising their three children and helping countless family members and friends immigrate to and integrate into America. She worked at Sacred Heart Hospital and the Haven of Our Lady of Peace in the 1980s. She was a member of the Filipino-American Association, St. Mary's Catholic Church, was active with the Adoration volunteer program and various church-affiliated programs. She was a true example of God's love with her daily devotions. Her faith, her hope, and her love shined through in everything she did for her family and for others. Her house was filled with music, as she loved to sing and play the piano with talent and joy. Family was her greatest treasure. She captured years and years' worth of memories in photos. She was present for major milestones of her grandchildren, from their birth, dance recitals, sporting events, birthday parties, academic events, and even childhood doctor's appointments. "Mama," "Lola," and "Grandma" was often there. She always knew what the kids wanted and always came through. She rewarded everyone a life legacy for generations to come. Always loving and faithful, she will live on through her family.
Preceded in death by her parents: Zacarias C. Manansala, Felicisima S. Manansala, Candelaria T. Manansala, along with her dear daughter-in-law Rosita F. Ruiz.
Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate her life and legacy.
Visitation will be held at Faith Chapel Funeral Home at 100 Beverly Parkway Pensacola, Florida 32505 on Thursday, January 31, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. with a Rosary beginning at 6:00 p.m.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary's Catholic Church 401 Van Pelt Lane Pensacola, Florida 32505 on Friday, February 1, 2013 at 10:00 a.m.; a procession will follow to Barrancas National Cemetery.
A reception of thanks will take place in St. Mary's Parish Hall after the cemetery service.
FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH is in charge of arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com.
Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits
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Memories and Condolences
for Lourdes Ruiz
Felicia
May 11, 2013
Happy Mother's Day Mama!! Thank you for everything that you accomplished so our family could be where we are today. We really are so lucky to have you as our "Mama." You've influenced our lives in so many ways. I am thinking of you all the time.. in everything I do. You were so strong and loving towards everyone, and I hope I can have that same strength one day. I love you so much. Missing you more every day.
May 10, 2013
Happy Mother's Day weekend Mama! You are in heaven celebrating -I know you are! I miss you more and more.
Therese
April 19, 2013
It's mama's birthday today! She is celebrating in Heaven! Time passes so quickly, life is so precious! Mama, you are missed!!!!!!!!
David Ritchie
February 19, 2013
This past Christmas Mama welcomed me into her home, and into her family. She had Therese take me all through the house and tell me about literally every person in every single photograph on every wall. And there are hundreds! She stood behind Therese playfully fussing at her if she skipped one. Her message was clear -- that her family was her life, that she was proud of every member of her family, and that I was now part of it.
Later we sat at the table while Mama and Lolo reminisced about how they had helped so many members of the family transition from the Philippines to the U.S. so long ago, and how now there were hundreds of brothers, sisters, cousins, children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews from Florida to New York to Canada to California and all in between. She was so proud of them all, and she obviously felt blessed to have been able to help.
Therese played songs on the piano. Joey played too. Mama wanted a picture with all of her grandchildren in front of the Christmas tree. Her smile radiated in every photo. It was a special night. It was also the last time I saw Mama.
Though my opportunity to be blessed by her came late in her life, she still impacted my life for the better, just as she has so many others. Thank you, Mama, for making me feel so welcome.
Mama on her 78th birthday (April 19, 2012)
February 19, 2013
Felicia
February 18, 2013
Mama,
There are no words to describe the pain I felt the night I received that phone call from my mom. I still clearly remember her calling me... at 3 in the morning. "Hi Felicia. Did anyone call you yet?" Panicked, I said "No, why?" I knew something had to be wrong. She said, "Mama died."
I've never been so heartbroken. Just hearing those words in my head right now... it hurts so much, Mama. I've been at your house every day since then, and I still feel like you should be here. Every time I walk in the door, for a split second I'm expecting to see you sitting in your chair watching TV. I want to say, "Hi Mama!" in my loud voice because every time I come over to your house you have the TV turned up so loud...... Then I see that the TV is turned off and you're not in your chair. And then I remember that you're not here at all.
I miss you so much. I think about you every day. I love all the memories I have of you and I am so thankful that I spent the last 5 years here with you and Lolo. I wish I came to see you that day. I know I can't change that now, but gosh, I'd give anything to go back to that Thursday just to spend the afternoon with you. We'd watch your Filipino soap operas and talk about "the boys" (my brothers) and you'd ask me how all of my friends are doing. You'd probably ask me to show you some Facebook pictures of the relatives that live far away. And then you'd hand me the remote and say "You watch your program now" while you go cook me dinner. We had so many nights together, just like this. I'm so SO grateful for them.
Remember when you gave up meat for Lent last year? I'm doing the same this year. I was so amazed that you were able to do that. I'm also praying the rosary for you each day. I hope you hear me.
You are my guardian angel now.
I love you so much, Mama.
Love, Felicia
P.S. Thank you for the voicemail <3
Mama and Felicia on a "date" as she called it :)
February 18, 2013
St. Mary fountain - Mama loved this!
February 18, 2013
Mama and Therese :)
February 18, 2013
Lolo and Mama - beautiful!
February 18, 2013
Mama, Therese, Joey, Zack, Felicia, Joshua - Our cute mama!
February 18, 2013
On my way to Pensacola on Jan 25, 2013 - the heavens opened up for mama.
February 18, 2013
Zack's graduation 2011 - Mama was at almost all of our milestone events. Thank you, mama, for always being there for us!
February 17, 2013
Zack (named after mama's dad) Graduation 2011.
February 17, 2013
Therese and mama :) One of her many gifts to me was music. I will ALWAYS play for YOU!
February 17, 2013
February 17, 2013
February 17, 2013
February 17, 2013
Therese
February 5, 2013
"We are the light of the world, may our light shine before all, that they may see the good that we do and give glory to God." For some reason, that church song is in my head as I think of you. You left us so many gifts - love, faith, music, videos, praise, etc. As dad, Felicia, and I look at all of your things, I am amazed at how much you did! Your music library, your photos albums, your prayer books, your health and nutrition books, your personal handwritten notes and letters. You left us in amazement of everything we already know you did, and we are finding joy in everything you left for us.
Mama, you were the light of my world. I miss you so much.
Dennis Jimenez
February 2, 2013
Dear kuya Justo
Our deepest sympathies are with you and family in this time of sorrow...
Auntie Melita, Auntie LuLu, Margaret, Mom, Dad and Roz
February 2, 2013
Auntie LuLu, Roz and Margaret at PJC Nursing Pininng Ceremony 1988. Blessed to have Auntie LuLu spend this special day with us. We love and miss you!
February 2, 2013
Bunny DuBose
February 1, 2013
You are truly an Angel now.
You always lived your life though Chirst teachings and loving our Blessed Mother.
Bunny DuBose
February 1, 2013
To the Ruiz family:
My heart breaks for each and everyone of you, I felt very blessed to be a part of the celebration of her life at the visitation and to watch the beautiful slde show of Lorudes and her precious family was so wonderful, to see all the pictures that showed so much love.
Listening to Mr. Ruiz speak speak such beautiful words of his loving wife was so touching, and to hear her grandchilren talking about all thier sweet memories of thier Mama Lola was so heartfelt. Paul, you had me in tears as you spoke of Lourdes as a being so much like a saint, and from what I have heard in this past week of her, I have to agree with you. Therese, I felt your pain as you spoke about your memories of your beautiful mom and how you have never felt this much hurt in your life. David your hard work you put into making the slide show perfet was seen and enjoyed by all.
Although I didn't know Lourdes personally, I know Therese and what a wonderful daughter Therese is because of her Mother. I have memories of seeing all the Ruiz family at St. Marys many years ago, at Mass and church functions, but sadly I never knew them personally, only as fellow parishioners, and Therese's parents.
Learing today of her devotation to Our Lord and Blessed Mother is such inspiration to me, hearing of her attending daily Mass and living her life through Christ everyday; she is a saint for sure. Her legacy will live forever through her children and grandchildren. Rest in pease Lourdes.
Therese Ritchie
February 1, 2013
Therese Ritchie
February 1, 2013
Therese Ritchie
February 1, 2013
Therese Ritchie
February 1, 2013
Therese Ritchie
February 1, 2013
Therese Ritchie
February 1, 2013
Therese Ritchie
February 1, 2013
Therese Ritchie
February 1, 2013
Therese Ritchie
February 1, 2013
Therese Ritchie
February 1, 2013
Therese Ritchie
February 1, 2013
Therese Ritchie
February 1, 2013
Therese Ritchie
February 1, 2013
Therese Ritchie
February 1, 2013
Therese Ritchie
February 1, 2013
Therese Ritchie
February 1, 2013
Marilu Tarbox
February 1, 2013
Dearest Pareng Jess and family,
Our prayers and deepest sympathy.May she rest in peace.
Mary Corenevsky
January 31, 2013
Mr. Ruiz & Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and the whole family.
Shawna Kent
January 31, 2013
Therese,Your mother will always be remebered for the beautiful gifts she left the world with which is you and your family. I have no words to take the pain of her loss but a gentle hug from my heart to you and your family.
Shanin Frost
January 31, 2013
Divina and family, sorry for your loss. Mrs. Ruiz certainly raised one beautiful, loving, and inspirational daughter.
Rachelle Butler
January 31, 2013
Dearest Therese, Divina, Jeddy, Uncle Jess, and family... Auntie Lu will be greatly missed! Please know that our family is praying for your family, and are thinking of you guys constantly right now! Your mom sent me a handwritten Christmas card every year, and was one of the only ones I still received from Pensacola... I was always so impressed with that and the fact that she took the time to write a personal message as well! Please know that we love you all and are just a phone call away if you need anything! RIP, Auntie Lu!
Margaret Gutierrez
January 30, 2013
Therese, I just wanted to let you know my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family through this heartbreaking time. Nothing I can say will ease your pain but I just wanted you to know I am thinking of you. May God bless and keep you and family in His care now and forever. Love to you and your family.
DORIS SIMONEAUX
January 30, 2013
My heartfelt condolences to Mr. Jess Ruiz and the family.
God Bless,
Doris Simoneaux, Pensacola FL
Tina Rivers
January 30, 2013
Therese,
My heart aches for you and your family at the unexpecpted loss of your mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. May she rest in eternal peace.
Robert Randall
January 30, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. May God be with you and help you find peace in our time of need.
Robert and Sherri Randall
Lauren Walker-Coleman
January 30, 2013
Divina,
So sorry for your loss.
Lauren
Paige Pluska
January 30, 2013
So sorry for your loss, Therese. Bless you and your family at this most difficult time.
Paige Vance Pluska
Ray & Alma Flores
January 30, 2013
Divina, We are saddened to hear that your mom has passed. Words cannot express the sorrow for your loss. May the memories of her love and devotion bring you some semblance of peace. We ask Heavenly Father to grant you the comfort and guidance during these difficult days and those that lie ahead. Our prayers and thoughts remain with you and your entire family.
Brian and Shirley
Brian and Shirley Steen
January 29, 2013
Atching Luding, as we fondly call her, was one of my Manansala cousins who provided me lots of moral support in 1982 upon arrival in California when I was hired as a (working visa) registered nurse. It was my first time to be away from my homeland, the Philippines. As the oldest of 9 children it was tough to adjust in a foreign land and adapt to a new culture. Atching Luding was the oldest of 8 children, and lived away from her parents and siblings after being wed to Coya Jess. Therefore, she was able to empathize with me and my situation at that time. She knew what it was to be away from one's immediate family members. She always comforted me with words of wisdom as we talked long distance with our traditional phones (there were no cell phones or Facebook then). She was beautiful inside and outside, so gracious, loving and lovable. She will be cherished forever!
You left a great legacy, Atching Luding! I will always remember you! I am confident that you are in HEAVEN enjoying the company of Tang (your father), your Ima (mother), Imang Canding (step mother), and other relatives and friends who have left us here on earth. Till we meet again! We LOVE YOU!!! -- Brian, Shirley, Vanessa and John
Divina, Rafael, Lolo, Mama (2012)
January 29, 2013
Mama, Chiara, Lolo (2007)
January 29, 2013
at the beach (2007)
January 29, 2013
Anthony, Mama, Chiara (2008)
January 29, 2013
Mama and Francesca (2009)
January 29, 2013
Chiara and Mama
January 29, 2013
January 29, 2013
While we were not privileged to know your Mom,we see glimpses of her in you,Therese.A caring,giving and compassionate person who we are thankful is part of our family.Please know we send you and your family our deepest sympathy.Mike and Teresa Kimbrell Millport,Al
Carol Pfeiffer
January 29, 2013
From the first moment that I met her, I loved her. There was something about her that I adored and wanted to be close to her. However, I was limited to the times that we were together, but she always made me know that she loved me. I will miss this precious lady more than I can say, but I have faith that I will see her again one day.
Lester, Luisa, Luis and Lerissa Ruiz
January 29, 2013
Rest in Paradise, Auntie. Say Hello to Dad for us.
Condolonces to all our cousins, aunts and uncles in Pensacola. We're deeply sadden to hear news of the additional loss to our family. Please keep strong. Uncle Pusting. Please get well soon. We need you. Our thoughts and prayers are with all. We love you.
Edgar Ruiz
January 29, 2013
Her legacy lives on through the wonderful family she has nurtured with love and dedication all these years.
Denise Pantoja
January 29, 2013
Words seem inadequate to express the sadness I feel about the loss of your mom. Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in my thoughts and prayers.
Ron Bondoc
January 29, 2013
My mother informed me of the news over the weekend. I am very sorry for your loss. I am very thankful for your whole family's support during the loss of my father. And her death occurred a week after the death anniversary of my father. Her prayers in Heaven will definitely help your entire family gain strength to do God's will. Condolences and love to all.
Paul Lawrence
January 29, 2013
she was the closest thing to a living saint thatI was ever privileged to meet. having her in my life was like knowing a real live Angel. she always saw the best in people, no matter what. you can't really say that she needed to be a forgiving person because with her, there was nothing to forgive. I will miss her dearly, but I am happy for her to be with her father that she has missed so much since he passed.
Cathy McCullough
January 29, 2013
While I never met your mother, Therese, I know by the caring, talented daughter & woman that you are that she was an example for all of us to emulate -- her outward beauty bespoke an inner beauty to match! My sincere and loving condolences to you and your family.
Jaime Slomin
January 29, 2013
My sympathy to you and your family at this time of sorrow. Know she is with the angels looking down on you and in turn living through you. Know that you and her are in our prayers.
John Spera
January 29, 2013
Dear Lolo, Therese, Felicia, Joey, Zack,Josh, Paul and David
I am so sorry for the sudden loss of Mama. When you loose your mom a part of you dies with her. You loose that someone who is there to protect and guide you. I have felt Mama's Love so much in my life when I needed prayers she was always there for me and my family, and I know she will still be there for all us in Heaven praying and helping as she always did. All my Love and prayers go to all of you.
Sincerely,
John
Floribel Martin
January 29, 2013
My condolences for you and your family on the loss of your beautiful mother. Her spirit will always live through you. May she rest in peace among God's angels.
January 29, 2013
Mama, I love you so much, Your love for me and all of your family and friends was your gift to us. Your example of devotion, generosity, humility is unmatched by any other. It hurts so much that you are not here for my daily morning phone call on my way to work. I will always hear your voice, I will always miss you, I will always miss the confidence you had in me. As I go on through this life on earth, I know you will always be with me as you were when you were here -in my personal life as a mother, as a wife, and as I work in the field of healthcare. I promise to do my best to carry on your traditions and to pass it on to others. You truly "paid it forward" as it goes. As so many friends and relatives have called to express their condolences, the main common theme is "your mom was a Saint." I believe that, mama. YOU are the real "Wonder Woman." I love you so, so much.
Yours always,
Therese
Jaime Slomin
January 29, 2013
Therese,
I am so sorry for your loss. I know how highly you spoke of your Mom. She will now live through you as she taught you how to live. Have comfort in knowing she did not suffer for a long period. Your friends are here for you to comfort you any way we can. Our prayers go out for you.
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