Ruth Jean Manzello

Ruth Jean Manzello, age 85, of Austin, Texas passed away on Friday, March 4, 2011. She was born on July 25, 1925 in Columbus, Ohio, daughter of Joseph and Lillian Szarkowski. She married Manfredo Manzello on March 16, 1945, who she met at a USO dance while he was stationed at Lockbourne Army Air Force Base. They were together for 66 years, something people only dream about.

Ruth was a devoted wife and mother and a fabulous homemaker and cook. She had a great sense of humor, a blessing she bestowed on all of her children. She was active at the Catholic Church in Columbus preparing meals for the school and the hall. She loved music and played the accordion and organ and also loved to crochet and sew.

Later she and her husband moved to Austin, Texas and the exploration of a new town began in earnest. You never wanted to interfere with what she called her “Fun Day”.

Ruth is survived by her devoted husband, Manfredo; her children, Janet Ashkenazy and her husband, Joe, Patricia Crawford and her husband, Lee and Joseph Manzello and his wife, Susan; six grandchildren, Mira and Lily Ronje, Sarah Schumacher Lowrie and Mark Schumacher, and Elyse and Jonathan Manzello. She also has three great-grandchildren, Madeline and Gunnar Schumacher and Jayden Lowrie. She was affectionately called, “Grandma Chickie” and “Bacca” by her grandchildren who she loved dearly.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 16, 2011 at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 4800 Convict Hill Road.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like memorial contributions to be made in honor of Ruth to the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, 9480 North De Mazenod Drive, Belleville, Illinois 62223, (888)330-6264, www.oblatesusa.org.

The family would like to express their profound and heartfelt thanks to Glory Valdez, Hospice Austin, and Dr. Allen Sonstein for their loving and devoted assistance to Ruth.