ELLEN BEACH RUIZ
February 4, 1934 — April 10, 2022
Ellen Beach Ruiz departed earth during her sleep early Palm Sunday morning, April 10, 2022. Born in New Orleans on February 4, 1934, Ellen Frances Beach was the younger daughter of Horace Francis Beach and May Davis. She was a proud graduate of St. Francis of Assisi School, Ursuline Academy, and Charity School of Nursing. She met Dr. Hector Mario Ruiz on a blind date set up by their best friends. Married on December 15, 1956, they moved to the Morgan City area for Hector to work alongside his uncle, Dr. Mario Lopez.
While Ellen was not a full-time nurse in MC, she was very busy with her four children while also pursuing additional interests (tennis leagues, Mardi Gras, guitar, travel, musicals) and volunteering with church, school, and community activities (thrift shop, school health assessments, room mother, swim team mom, parish council, music ministry). She was proud to be one of a few remaining continuous charter members of the Krewe of Galatea since 1969 and was especially honored to serve as Queen Galatea XV in 1984. She also enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren participate in Galatea and Hephaestus.
Celebrating Ellen’s life are her children, Mary Ellen (Richard) Stegall, Greg (Tammy) Ruiz, Theresa (Eddie) Clark, and Leslie (Greg) Merritt, and close friend, Helen Solar. GG is also missed and loved by fifteen grandchildren and nine great-grands. The family would like to thank the Maison Jardin family of caregivers and residents for the loving care of Ellen and our family the last eight years. The family also acknowledges Debbie Rock Broussard for her loving service as a “personal assistant.” Additionally, the family thanks Journey Hospice for their thoughtful assistance and guidance in her transition the last three weeks of her life. Ellen appreciated and enjoyed the kind and extraordinary care provided by sitters Tammy Williams, Bobbie Ruffin, Charlotte Navarre, Lenora Delco, Monica Verdin, and Kayla Williams. And words cannot express the gratitude for Ellen’s close friend, Helen Solar, who insisted that mom live with her when she was discharged from the hospital. Even though it was only three weeks, Mom had an amazing time with family, friends, music, good food, and margaritas on the porch. You made her beyond comfortable, living life the “Ellen” way. Mrs. Helen’s example of generosity and love toward the family is extraordinary.
Visitations for Ellen will be held on Monday, April 18, 2022, at Hargrave Funeral Home in Morgan City from 5 to 8 p.m. Visitation will resume on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at Holy Cross Catholic Church from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. when the eulogies will be offered. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Catholic Church. Following services, Ellen Frances Beach Ruiz will be laid to rest in the Morgan City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Holy Cross Church or Central Catholic High School (both in Morgan City).