Ruth Elizabeth Bonds Sherlock

Ruth Elizabeth Bonds Sherlock passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 10, 2013, at age 95. She is survived by her sons, Richard Alston Sherlock, Jr. and spouse Jacquie, and Ronnie Clelie Sherlock of Baton Rouge; grandchildren, Richelle Sherlock Simmons and spouse J. Chad, of Birmingham, Ala.; Richard Alston Sherlock III and spouse Erin, of Denver; Sean David Sherlock and spouse Jennifer, of Gonzales; Gina Renee Sherlock Jones and spouse Raymond, of Leesville; and great-grandchildren, Jacob Sheets, Bryce Sherlock, Katherine Sherlock, Scott Sherlock, Anne Bonds Simmons, George Simmons, Margaret Simmons, and Avery Jones; niece Susan Beasley, of Boone, NC; former daughter-in-law and friend, Debbie Peak Henning of Baton Rouge; and lifelong friend, Audrey Bileci and spouse Albert of Baton Rouge. Preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Richard Alston Sherlock, Sr.; her mother, Grace Barnes Sloan; father, Jack Phillips Bonds; and brother, Wesley Delwyn Bonds. Having spent her childhood years in Ardmore, OK, and young adult/married years in New Orleans, they lived in Baton Rouge since 1950. She attended business school at Baylor University before marriage and enjoyed her independence as a "working girl" in New Orleans in the 30's. Her joy was volunteering at Bernard Terrace on numerous PTO committees while her sons attended, and supporting every moment of her boys' band "Ronnie and the Crowns" on and off the road, and she eventually returned to work in Baton Rouge at Jack's Cookies and eventually Broussard Paint and Wallpaper as their beloved bookkeeper. She was a proud member of DAR's Baton Rouge chapter, for many decades having served as LA State Regent. Her passion, however, was for Mardi Gras, and she led the creation of Baton Rouge's Krewe of Iduna in 1961, offering the Story of Iduna as the inspiration for the krewe's name and the titles of its king and queen. Serving as the 3rd Captain of the Ball, she faithfully collaborated and worked diligently with every subsequent ball to ensure a spectacular production was in store for all. Her husband Richard was King Bragi in 1970, her son Ronnie was King Bragi in 1997, the only father and son to serve as King, and her granddaughter Richelle was Queen Iduna in 1992, the first granddaughter to serve as queen. She will always be lovingly remembered as "Mrs. Sherlock" by generations of Sherwood Band students taught by her son Ronnie. The family gratefully acknowledges the loving care of Brenda Knight, her longtime caregiver and friend of the family. Pallbearers are Richard Sherlock III, J. Chad Simmons, Sean Sherlock, Raymond Jones. Visiting at Rabenhorst East, 11000 Florida Blvd., Saturday, January 12, from 9 a.m. until funeral service at 10:30 a.m., conducted by the Rev. Todd Whirley. Cryptside service at 3 p.m. Saturday at Lakelawn Mausoleum, Metairie.