PURVIS, RUTH ROBERTS
A longtime resident of Baker, she died at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2002, at Lakewood Quarters after a lengthy illness.
She was 91 and a native of Holden.
Arrangements pending at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, Baker.
Interment in Hillcrest Memorial Gardens.
Memorial donations may be made to St. Joseph Hospice, 5215 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.
RUIZ, MATTHIAS "MATT"
An instrument engineer for The Dow Chemical Co. in Plaquemine, and a resident of New Roads, he died Saturday morning, Nov. 2, 2002, in Gloster, Miss. He was 51 and a native of New Orleans. Visiting at Niland's Funeral Home, New Roads, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday. Religious service at St. Mary's Catholic Church, New Roads, at 11 a.m. Tuesday, conducted by the Rev. Michael Schatzle of St. Mary's. Interment in False River Memorial Park, New Roads. Survived by his wife, Janice Crochet Ruiz of New Roads; parents, Lawrence and Loe Ruiz of LaPlace; a daughter, Katie Ruiz of New Roads; a son, Nicholas Ruiz of New Roads; a sister, Susie LaPorte of LaPlace; and two brothers, Michael Kerry Ruiz of Des Allemands and Lynwood Ruiz of Shreveport. Preceded in death by his grandparents, Henry and Iola Catoire and Henry and Odette Ruiz. He loved the outdoors. He was a former assistant Boy Scout leader, and a member of Knights of Columbus of Morganza and the National Rifle Association.
SALEME, ANGELO J.
A beloved and devoted husband, brother and uncle, he died Friday, Nov. 1, 2002, at his residence in Baton Rouge. He was 95 and a native of Morgan City. He was a retired employee of the Links Club in New York City. Visiting was at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, with recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m. Visiting at the funeral home from 8 a.m. to 10:50 a.m. Monday. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Louis King of France Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Monday, celebrated by the Rev. Maynard Hurst. Entombment in Greenoaks Memorial Park Mausoleum. Survived by his wife, Vivian O'Donovan Saleme; two sisters, Josie Lamana, Baton Rouge, and Lucy Maggio, Zachary; and numerous nieces and nephews, including special nephew, David Lamana. Preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Catherine Mancuso Salemi; five brothers, Ben, Charlie, Sam, Maurice and Paul Salemi; and two sisters, Bernadette Cali and Mary Boswick. Pallbearers will be David Lamana, Morris Lamana, Maurice Salemi, Donald Salemi, Mark Jones and Nick Maggio. He was a member of several dance clubs, including Silver Strutters Dance Club, and entertained in nursing homes on a weekly basis. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Louis King of France Catholic Church or a favorite charity.
SCOTT, ALMA DUNBAR
A resident of Sacramento, Calif., she died at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, 2002, at Kaiser Acute Care Center in San Leandro, Calif. She was 61, born March 9, 1941, and was a caterer and seamstress. Alma grew up in Rosedale, and attended Thomas A. Levy High School. Visitation at Amos Temple Methodist Church, 1550 90th Ave., Oakland, CA 94605, from 8 a.m. Monday until religious service at 11 a.m. She is survived by her four sons, Al Burnette, Aubrey, Alexis and Aaron Scott; a daughter-in-law, Kathy Scott; husband, Allen Scott; five sisters, Rosia Barton, Sacramento, Florestine Dunbar Brown, Hayward, Calif., Hazel T. Stewart and Liz D. Knox, both of Oakland, and Evelyn D. Perkins, Pride; three brothers-in-law, Reginald Barton, Jerome Knox and Henry E. Perkins; three brothers, Herbert, Jesse and Alvin Dunbar, all of Oakland; two sisters-in-law, Brandy and Darlene Dunbar; 10 grandchildren, an aunt and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Estelle Dunbar; grandparents, Joshua and Ida Dunbar and John and Rosia Oliver; and a brother, Calvin J. Dunbar. Thompson Funeral Home, 9900 International Blvd., Oakland, CA 94603, 510-568-8628, in charge of arrangements.
SOTILE, CHARLES JOSEPH "CHARLEY"
A retired manager and bookkeeper for Rose Garden Center in Marrero, and a resident of Donaldsonville, he died at 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2002, in Donaldsonville. He was 82 and a native of Alexandria. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. Visiting at Ourso Funeral Home, Donaldsonville, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday and 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Tuesday. Mass of Christian Burial at Ascension Catholic Church at 11 a.m. Tuesday, celebrated by the Rev. Randy Cuevas. Interment in church cemetery. Survived by his loving and devoted wife of 56 years, Irma Hebert Sotile, Donaldsonville; a sister and brother-in-law, Concetta and Tony Fiorenza, Alexandria; two brothers and three sisters-in-law, Mitch and Lucy Belle Sotile, Donaldsonville, Martin and Sandra Sotile, Plaquemine, and Milda "Blue" Sotile, Metairie; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Anthony, Sr. and Cecile Marcello Sotile; and a brother, Anthony Sotile, Jr. He was a member of Babin-Haynes American Legion Post 38, Montalbano-Sentilles VFW Post 3766, Knights of Columbus Council 1087, of which he was a life member, and St. Joseph Altar Society. He loved music and was a member of Mitch and the Original 50's. He played in the band with his brother, Mitch, for 45 years. Special thanks to Dr. Michel Hirish and his staff and the staffs of D'Ville House and Prevost Memorial Hospital for their wonderful care and support.
STUTZMAN, FRANK H.
A salesman for Feltus Brothers and Orgill Brothers Hardware for more than 40 years, he died at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 2, 2002, at Field Memorial Hospital, Centreville, Miss. He was 65, born March 3, 1937, and a native and resident of Centreville. Visiting was at Newman Funeral Home, Centreville, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. Visiting at the funeral home from 8 a.m to 11 a.m. Monday. Visiting at Centreville Baptist Church from noon until religious service at 2 p.m. Monday, conducted by the Rev. Bill Broadwater. Interment in Oaklawn Cemetery, Centreville. Survived by his wife, Yvonne Smiley Stutzman, Centreville; a daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Speedy Cavin, Centreville; three sons and daughters-in-law, Bobby and Gina Stutzman and Brian and Kim Stutzman, all of Smithdale, Miss., and Buddy and Debra Stutzman, Centreville; a sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Albert Maryman, St. Francisville; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Ike and Flora Nell Stutzman, Centreville, and Joe and Betty Stutzman, Tunica; and eight grandchildren, Lauren Cavin, Tanner Cavin, Kristen Stutzman, Whitney Stutzman, Zach Stutzman, Tyler Stutzman, Sydney Stutzman and Brennan Stutzman. Preceded in death by his parents, Frank H. Stutzman, Sr. and Agnes McKey Stutzman; and a sister, Lena Stutzman Padgett. Pallbearers will be Douglas Bell, Wayne Boyd, Bill Johnson, Billy McGregor, Lonnie Melton, Nick Myers, Robert Ogden and Kelly Reeves. He was a member of Centreville Baptist Church and a former alderman of the town of Centreville, for 24 years.
TALBOT, FLORENCE MATHERNE "FLO"
A native and resident of Baton Rouge, she passed away at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 3, 2002, at her home. She was 83. Visiting at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Monday. Visiting at the funeral home from 10 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. Tuesday. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11441 Goodwood Blvd., at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, celebrated by the Rev. Michael J. Moroney. Interment in Resthaven Gardens of Memory. Survived by her husband of 56 years, Ames Joseph Talbot, Baton Rouge; two daughters and two sons-in-law, Tamara "Tammy" and C.M. Browning, Baton Rouge, and Kathy and Tim Williams, Pierre Part; five sons and four daughters-in-law, Konrad J. Talbot, Baton Rouge, Keith P. and Jane Talbot, Pierre Part, and Kyle M. and Dianne S. Talbot, Kevin T. and Janet B. Talbot and Todd A. and Patricia B. Talbot, all of Baton Rouge; 13 grandchildren, Alicia, Chad and wife, Molly and Brad and wife, Vanessa Browning, Shane and Justin Talbot, Drew and Dean Talbot, Ross and Ryan Talbot, Addison and Amelia Talbot and Avery and Adair Talbot; a brother, Jerome C. Matherne and wife, Elsie of Baton Rouge; and two sisters, Geraldine M. Contine, Baton Rouge, and Shirley M. Bridges, Houston. Preceded in death by her parents, Jerome C. Matherne and Hilda Gallagher Matherne. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. She was a charter and active member of St. Thomas More Catholic Church and a member of the Adoration Group, Catholic Daughters of the Americas, St. Francis of Assisi 1915, and Exxon Annuity Club. Memorial donations may be made to Diabetes Association, Arthritis Foundation or St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
WAGGENSPACK, LINDEN GASPARD
A loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, he died Friday, Nov. 1, 2002, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Baton Rouge. He was 77, a resident of Gonzales and a native of Modeste. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and retired from Shell Oil Co. where he worked as a lease operator. Visiting was at Welsh Funeral Home, Gonzales, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday, with recitation of the rosary at 7 p.m. Visiting at the funeral home from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Monday. Religious service at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Prairieville, at 11 a.m. Monday, conducted by the Rev. Martin Hernandez. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park, Baton Rouge. Survived by his loving wife, Marie Decareaux Waggenspack; four daughters and three sons-in-law, Sherlee and Kenny Smiley, Dawn and Ralph Rivet, Jr., Lori Scott and Janie and Bret Babin; two sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Sylvia Falgoust Waggenspack and Lenny and Debbie Delatte Waggenspack; 18 grandchildren, Eric, Chase, Danny, Wendy, Grant and Garrett Waggenspack, Mickie and Bobby Stubbs, Keith and Robin McMurray, Jeffrey, Neal and Jennifer Rivet, Ryan, Amanda and David Scott, and Jessalyn, Blake and Zachary Babin; five great-grandchildren, Erica, Austin and Grace Waggenspack, Tyler Nettles and Nicole Stubbs; a sister, Wilda Waggenspack; and three brothers and two sisters-in-law, Irwin "Finny" Waggenspack, Harold and Ollie Waggenspack and U. Vincent "Coo" and Virginia Waggenspack. Preceded in death by his parents, John Willis and Julia Landry Waggenspack; a daughter, Vicki Lene Waggenspack; three sisters, Thelma Waggenspack, Rose Mary Waggenspack Many and Patricia Waggenspack Waguespack; three brothers, Melvin, Warren "Mano" and Wibur Waggenspack. Pallbearers will be Grant and Eric Waggenspack, Keith McMurray, Ryan Scott, Blake Babin and Jeffrey Rivet. He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council 8342 and St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, where he served as an usher.
WATKINS, SR. HENRY
A retired employee of J. Ray McDermott and a resident and native of Donaldsonville, he died at 3:15 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2002, at his residence. He was 75. Visiting at Demby & Son Funeral Home, Donaldsonville, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday. Visiting at St. Peter United Methodist Church, Donaldsonville, from 9 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m. Tuesday, conducted by the Rev. Elva Jacob. Interment in Protestant Cemetery. Survived by two daughters, Sarah A. and Falena A. Amos, both of Napoleonville; two stepdaughters and spouses, Mary and Nolan Smith, Napoleonville, and Angeila and Martin Stephens, Shreveport; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Henry, Jr. and Karen Watkins, Donaldsonville, and Jerome Amos, Napoleonville; a stepson, Donald Amos, Jr., Santa Clara, Calif.; two sisters, Olivia Joseph and Wilanna Watkins, both of Donaldsonville; 20 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by his wife, Elouise Watkins; parents, Henry and Victoria Sims Watkins; a brother, Harry Watkins; a friend, Sarah Amos; and a stepdaughter, Lydia Johnson.
WELLS, JR. HARDY O.
A very prominent businessman in Baton Rouge for many years, he died Friday, Nov. 1, 2002, at his residence near Liberty, Miss. He was 77, born Oct. 21, 1925, in Shreveport. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II. A memorial service will be held at his residence, 2767 Bethel Road, near Liberty, at 11 a.m. Monday. He is survived by a daughter, Jean Sandifer of Baton Rouge; five grandchildren, Stephanie White and husband, David, Greg Sandifer, Dana Rider and husband, Andrew, David Sandifer, and Rebecca Courtney and husband, Chad, all of Baton Rouge; and four great-grandchildren, Timothy Sandifer, Matthew and Madelyn White and Ethan Rider. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hardy O. Wells, Sr. and Lucille Rosenberg Wells. He was a graduate of LSU and the owner of a warehousing business in Baton Rouge. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Horizon Hospice of McComb, Miss., 140 N. Fifth St., Suite B, McComb, MS 39648. Brown Funeral Home, Gloster, Miss., in charge of arrangements.
