Wilma Lucille Ruffolo

CARBONDALE - Wilma “Lucy” Ruffolo, age 92, a Carbondale native died peacefully Valentine’s morning 2021 at Manor Court. Lucy was born on October 10, 1928 to Lorraine and Pearl (Holder) Forby. 



She spent her early life working as a waitress, where she met her soulmate, Albert Ruffolo, working in Waukegan Il. Albert adored Lucy and they were married August 20, 1961. In 1969, the couple moved to Kenosha, WI to help care for Al’s parents, where the two spent more than 50 blissful years together. Lucy became a true matriarch of her family and continued for the rest of her life, alongside her loving husband, taking care of their many grandchildren. Lucy belonged to the Holy Rosary Ladies Society for many years, and spent her days keeping sauce on the stove and a cheesecake in the refrigerator for the revolving door of family members and friends constantly stopping by for a visit. Having a house full of family (and cooking for them) was Lucy’s greatest joy.

    

Surviving Lucy are her two daughters, Patricia (Ronald) Gericke of Henderson, NV and Beverly (Gerald) Holmes of Carbondale, IL. She is additionally survived by her nine grandchildren Michelle (Mike) Pestka, Tricia Gericke, Jennifer (Matt) Gericke, Ronald (Bethani) Gericke, Diana (Dave) Miner, Denice (Jeffrey) Fullerton, John (Laura) Holmes, Melissa (Shannon) Rice, and Jared (Keisha) Holmes, and by her 27 great grandchildren, 21 great-great grandchildren (with a 22nd on the way), and 1 great-great-great grandchild. She is also survived by two generations of Watson kids, including a brand new baby born Valentine’s morning, because Lucy was everyone’s grandma. 

    

Lucy is preceded in death by her beloved husband Albert, her parents, sister Margaret, brother Donald Ray, one great grandchild, and one great-great grandchild.

    

Public visitation for Lucy will be 10:00 until 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 26, 2021 at Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale.  The funeral service and burial will be private.  Due to COVID restrictions no more than 50 people are allowed into the funeral home at one time along with the requirement of wearing a mask and social distancing.  

    

Patricia and Beverly have asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Lucy’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association or Union Hill Christian Church and will be accepted at the funeral home.

    

To share a story or memory of Lucy, please visit www.meredithfh.com