Joanna Ruiz

Joanna Sue Gorby Ruiz passed away Sunday, December 20 at her home in Abita Springs, Louisiana.  Formerly of Hammond and New Orleans, she was born April 2, 1945, and in 1966 became the beloved wife of Camilo Ruiz.  Joanna was the sister of Barbara Kiser, Clifford Gorby and Michael Gorby, mother of Barbara, Katherine, and Steven, mother-in-law of Patrick Rutledge and Leslie Casamento Ruiz, and grandmother-by-love of Leslie's children, Katie and Emily.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Virginia Gorby, and her brothers William and Richard.  Joanna was a graduate of the University of New Orleans, an active and very successful teacher in the New Orleans Public School System for many years, and an avid supporter of UNO sports, forever cheering on the Privateers.  She was an excellent cook, always a straight 'A' student, loved to read and enjoyed traveling throughout her life to places like New Zealand, Europe, and the American southwest.  A memorial get-together is being planned for relatives and friends following the holidays.