Geraldine Ruzicka

Geraldine Ann Ruzicka, 90, of Willard, Mo., passed away Friday, December 13th, in Ozark Nursing Care Center in Ozark, Mo.

She was born July 13, 1929, to Peter and Louise (Schatz) Netzer, of Billings, Mo. She attended Billings Schools where she played on the basketball and softball teams. She was a graduate of Draughon Business College. She moved to Kansas City where she worked for the Land and Title Co.

Introduced by her brother, Don, she married the love of her life, Joseph Ruzicka, on September 5, 1959 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Billings, Mo. In her words, “He was always very good to me and a great man!” Joe and Geraldine moved to Willard, Mo, where they owned and operated Joe’s Greenhouse and Poultry. She worked for the Willard Schools near the end of her business career. She was a faithful, devout Catholic and attended St. Joseph Catholic Church in Springfield, Mo., for almost 60 years. Friends and family remember her for her cinnamon rolls, sweet nature, solid advice, and witty sense of humor. She was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals and always had the game on.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph, and her daughter Lillian Ann Ruzicka, her parents (Peter and Louise Netzer), brothers: Wilbert, Don, Pedro (Paul), Raymond, Edmond (Lefty), Leonard (Shorty), and Richard Netzer; sisters: Lucille Schmill, Marguerite Yonkman, and Virginia Roetto.

She is survived by her sisters: Marie Fabro and Frances Frett-husband Clarence, sons: Randy Ruzicka, Francis Ruzicka (Lori); daughters: Jeanette Hale (J.T.), Elaine Farrar (Jim), and grandchildren: Trevor, Nicole, and Curtis Hale and Thomas and Ethan Farrar. She is also survived by multiple nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm, on Monday, December 16, 2019 with the Rosary service at 5:00 pm, St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1115 N. Campbell Street in Springfield, Mo.

Funeral Mass will be at 10:00 am, Tuesday, December 17, 2019, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Karl W. Barmann, OSB officiating. Burial will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery (Karlin Cemetery), State Highway U., Bolivar, Mo. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E. Walnut Street in Springfield.

Memorial contributions can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Springfield, Mo. and/or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com