Ruth Claire Ziifle

Ruth Claire Ziifle of Gretna, LA, daughter of the late William C. Ziifle and Leonora Giboney Ziifle of Gretna, LA, departed this life on January 27, 2021 peacefully in her sleep of natural causes. Age 95 years. Survived by nieces and nephews, Jeanne Geiger Reitz, Anne Kirsten Ziifle, Robert W. Ziifle, Jr., Timothy C. Ziifle, John A. Ziifle, Jackie Ziifle Jones, Harold (“H.R.”) R. Ziifle, Jr., Margaret Thalheim Cuccia, Richard A. Thalheim, Jr., Mark A. Thalheim, and many grandnieces, grandnephews, and their multiple offspring.

She was predeceased by her sister Leonora Z. Geiger, brothers Robert W. Ziifle and Harold R. Ziifle, sisters Hilda Z. Jung and Myra Z. Thalheim (and their respective spouses George T. Geiger, Ita Mae A. Ziifle, Grace G. Ziifle, Julius (“Jo Ro”) R. Jung, Jr., and Richard A. Thalheim); nieces Kathryn G. Fauble and Kari Margaret Ziifle and nephew William C. Thalheim.

A graduate of Newcomb College, majored in Physics and minored in Mathematics. Graduated as salutatorian of Gretna High School. By profession, in a lengthy career in medical research, she worked at Tulane Medical School in many capacities for Dr. George Burch, a renowned cardiologist. A devout and exemplary Christian, she was a lifelong active member of Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church of Gretna serving on various committees.

A staunch Gretna advocate and booster, she was a frequent, vocal presence at City Council meetings. She was a member of Gretna’s German Heritage Cultural and Genealogical Society and Friends of the German-American Cultural Center. As a very active member in the Gretna Historical Society, she and her sister Myra provided valuable historical information, including a publicly broadcast oral history. A longtime generous supporter and donor to many philanthropic organizations and causes.

Funeral service will be at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4th and Amelia Streets in Gretna, LA on February 6, 2021 at 11:00AM with preceding visitation at the church from 10:00AM. Interment will be at Hook and Ladder Cemetery, Gretna, LA.

Relatives and friends of the deceased are invited to attend the visitation and funeral service while adhering to social distancing and facial masking guidelines. To view and sign the online guest book, please visit www.mothefunerals.com . In lieu of flowers, contributions to Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church are preferred. Mothe Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Family and friends are encouraged to share their condolences, stories and memories by visiting: www.mothefunerals.com .