Ruta Moruss, age 80, of Lansing, Michigan, passed away peacefully June 20, 2020 at home under the care of her husband and eldest son. She was born in Iecava, Latvia on June 08, 1940 to Edvards and Elza (Dreiers) Brencis. Ruta is survived by her husband Juris Moruss, their first-born son Druvis Moruss, their daughter Daira Morusa, and their youngest son Roderiks Moruss with wife Natalie. In addition, Ruta is survived by three little suns, her granddaughters: Magdalēna, Elizabeth, and Alexandra.There are also loving family members here in the US, in Canada and Latvia.
Ruta was born during World War II in Latvia. During the war, the family escaped by row boat across the Baltic Sea to Sweden. There Ruta’s dear brother Aigars was born. A few years later, Ruta’s father made the courageous decision for the family to travel west to Canada, by way of a small ship called the Walnut.
Ruta was granted Canadian citizenship and attended school in Toronto, Canada. She was active in the Latvian community being established by the Latvian refugees. She was a member of the Latvian girl scout brownies and she sang in the Latvian choir, and continued being mindful of her occupied homeland and the loved ones there left behind.
Ruta also developed a passion for photography and began to study it, but she put her own desires on hold to raise her family. Ruta met her husband, Juris (George) and together they raised three children. Ruta was passionate about helping others. She was always concerned with the needs of others. In her life, she looked out for, helped, supported many people young and old.
Ruta held many positions in her professional life, having worked at the MSU library and at St. Thomas Aquinas, but she devoted most of her professional life to Shiawassee County Community Mental Health. She was a member of the Lansing Latvian Lutheran Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions to the Kapselu Street Children's Centre, which is located in Riga, Latvia. Under its roof live 35 children, of whom 24 are orphans. They are ages 5-18. All of them have special needs beset with various degrees of difficulties and disabilities, making daily routines a challenge.
Checks can be sent to the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church Abroad. Please mark LELBAL “Dzīvības ceļš” on your checks and in memoriam of Ruta Moruss: LELBAL cashier, Baiba Rodins, at 5820 Mountain Shadow Lane Reno, NV, 89511
Electronic contributions may be made via PayPal to [email protected]
Due to Covid-19, services will be private. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
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