| Sources |
- [S135] SAVAGE-ALEXANDER, Theresa Ann, Email of 07 Feb 2000.
Joe Savage is --Earl Gordon Savage
- [S952] Obituary of Mary Jane RUZICKA, (Name: Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home; Location: Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington, USA; Date: Abt 13 Oct 2018;).
Mary Jane Ruzicka
January 20, 1927 - October 11, 2018
Mary Jane (Hays) Ruzicka entered eternal life on Thursday, October 11, 2018.
Mary Jane was born on January 20, 1927 to her parents, Henry Adison Hays and Rebecca Sara (Barnes) Hays, at her home on Sumach Street, Walla Walla, WA. Soon after, the family moved to Dixie, WA where she, at the tender age of 7, lost her mother to tuberculosis.
Sometime after this her father moved them to Portland, Oregon where he owned and operated a grocery store. During this time, things became difficult, and for unknown reasons she was placed in the care of the State. She was placed with several foster parents during her growing years, but eventually ended up being placed with a couple who were loving and kind, Fred and Frances Crang. Whom, we grew to know and love, as grandma Foffy and grandpa Fred. They loved and treated her as if she were their own.
During the time with the Crang’s, Frances would attend Mass regularly, never asking if mom wanted to go. One day mom asked Frances if she could go with her. Frances said of course she could, and that was the start of mom’s lifelong faith of the Catholic Church.
After graduating High School in Portland, she returned to Walla Walla to live with her eldest sister and husband, Leland and Orlena (Hays) Demory. During that time, she enrolled in the St. Mary Nursing School (1945 – 1947).
She met her future husband, Vincent Louis Ruzicka, at the “Natatorium” where others cleared the floor just to watch them dance. As we were not there to witness this event, we did however see mom’s eyes light-up as she and dad would dance around the livingroom floor to waltzes and polkas. Oh what joy! They eventually were engaged and then married on December 31, 1947, at St Patrick Catholic Church of Walla Walla, enjoying a honeymoon in Spokane at the historic Davenport Hotel.
During their life together, traveling up and down the west coast, from Alaska to California, they produced a wonderful family of five. Theresa Ann (Savage) & (James) Alexander; Cecelia Joanne “C.J.” (Long) Catt; Thomas Vincent & (Tracy) Ruzicka; Yvonne Marie & (Gerard) Duncan Sr.; and Vincent “Zeek” Louis & (Judy) Ruzicka Jr. Through this family of five, she received her generational family of 11 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter who is her name sake.
After mom retired from her various jobs she had, to help support her family, she learned to crochet and made afghans and slippers for her grandchildren. Her arthritis got the best of her hands so she was not able to complete more of them. She loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren very much. It was through them that we saw the true love she had in her heart. The grandchildren and great-grandchildren bloomed under her love and care. Baking cookies and lots of icing were in order when you visited grandma’s house. Mom never forgot a birthday! She would send each and every one of us a card that she had carefully selected. Oh how she loved us through the little things. She never allowed us to have a “pitty party” believing in – “Pray about it, it will all work out in the end” – and she was right!
Mary Jane was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Opal Marie (Bippes) Richardson, a brother Harold Henry, her sister Orlena Rebecca Demory, her husband Vincent Louis Ruzicka Sr., a son-in-law Earl Gordon Savage, and a favorite niece Phyllis Jane (Demory) Jordan.
Mary Jane Ruzicka is under the care of Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Viewing and Visitation will be held from 11a.m. until the Recitation of the Holy Rosary at 6 p.m on Thursday, October 18, 2018 at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be on Friday, October 19, 2018 at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church, 2098 E. Alder, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 2120 S. 2nd Avenue. There will be a reception at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Catholic Church after the burial service. If you would like to wear a little pink in her honor please feel free to do so.
Memorial Contributions may be made in her memory to Providence St. Mary Regional Cancer Center or the Walla Walla Catholic Schools, through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362.
- [S1356] Obituary of Theresa Ann ALEXANDER, (Name: Herring-Groseclose Funeral Home; Location: Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington, USA; Date: Abt. 17 Feb 2025;).
Theresa Ann (Ruzicka) (Savage) Alexander
June 25, 1949 - February 15, 2025
Theresa Ann [Savage] Alexander passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Bend, OR. Theresa was born at St. Mary Hospital on June 25, 1949, in Walla Walla, WA, to her parents, Vincent Louis Ruzicka Sr. and Mary Jane (Hays) Ruzicka.
She completed her senior year of high school at Kennewick High in 1967. While living in Kennewick, she met her future husband, Earl Gordon (Joe) Savage. He was the son of an old family friend. Her family moved to Lewiston, ID soon after, where she and Joe were married. The nuptials were held at the Nazarene Church on September 14, 1968. Soon after their marriage, Joe was drafted into the Army and stationed in Ft. Knox, KY, where they had their first child, Jason Lane Savage. When Joe's service was completed, they returned to Lewiston, ID.
They eventually moved to Walla Walla, where Theresa completed her degree in cosmetology at DeMers Beauty College. During this time, they had two more children, Sheri Dawn (Savage) Robertson and Michael Shane Savage. She worked with a longtime friend, Deanna Williams, at DJ's Hair Salon. Shortly thereafter, they purchased a five-acre home near Milton-Freewater, OR. She started her own salon business at her home. She and her family spent many years enjoying the country life. Theresa became very involved in the activities her children were interested in. She volunteered for many fundraisers and athletic events. After she lost her husband, she moved her family into Milton-Freewater.
Still being involved with her children's events, she met her second husband, a high school math teacher and golf coach, James (Jim) Harland Alexander. While they were dating, Jim taught her how to golf, which became a sport they shared. She competed in women's and Jack & Jill tournaments and even won a few trophies. After a short courtship, they were married on July 7, I990. After her husband retired from teaching, he took an assignment to teach in Monument, OR. While there, they hosted several exchange students from all over the world. Some of these students developed a lifelong friendship with them. Theresa taught painting, wood carving, and various other arts. When they returned to Milton-Freewater, she became an active member of Assumption Catholic Church, where she served as Eucharistic Minister for several years. Theresa worked at the Walla Walla Catholic Schools in the preschool. She also volunteered to paint stage and wall murals for the Hope Dinners and several other fundraisers. She loved helping and sharing her artistic abilities. You always found a smile on her face, giving comfort to many. Her favorite pastimes were singing, dancing, painting, sewing, and wood carving. For many years, Theresa and Jim made many trips with friends and family to the Oregon Coast and the Imnaha for fishing and camping.
A few years after returning from Monument, they moved out to the Alexander homestead near Milton-Freewater. She loved growing and tending her flower gardens and growing vegetables. Due to declining health, it became necessary for her children to move Theresa to Bend, OR, to be close to her daughter for much-needed care. Her siblings were able to visit with her the last couple of days before she passed away peacefully, with her daughter by her side.
Theresa was preceded in death by her first husband, Earl Gordon (Joe) Savage; her parents, Vincent L. Ruzicka Sr. and Mary Jane (Hays) Ruzicka.
She is survived by her husband, James (Jim) Harland Alexander; her sons, Jason Lane Savage (Ann) and Michael Shane Savage (Lucia); her daughter, Sheri Dawn Robertson (John); Step-daughters: Jimmi Kaye Hinger and Jill Alexander Sasser (Jody); her siblings, Cecelia J. (C.J.) Catt, Thomas V. Ruzicka (Tracy), Yvonne M. Duncan Sr. (Gerard), and Vincent L. (Zeek) Ruzicka Jr. (Judy); as well as numerous nephews and nieces. A sister-in-law, Phyllis Heidenrich. Grandchildren: Christian Savage, Olivia Savage, Brittney Robertson Reardon (William). Cody Robertson, Madeleine Robertson, Courtney Villagrana Savage, Cameron Savage. Step grandsons: Tyler Grindstaff (Alexandra), Blake Hinger, and Nash Sasser. Great-grandchildren; Mary Jane Robertson, William Reardon. Step-great-grandchildren: Alexzander Grindstaff and Wyatt Grindstaff.
A Memorial Mass will be held at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. 2098 E. Alder in Walla Walla on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 2120 S. Second Avenue. Following the burial service, there will be a reception held at the Assumption Parish Hall.
Memorial donations may be made to Assumption Church or Walla Walla Catholic schools through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362, in memory of Theresa.
- [S1358] Washington, U.S., Death Records, 1907-2017.
Name: Earl Gordon Savage
Gender: Male
Race: White
Age: 39
Birth Date: 14 Sep 1948
Death Date: 24 Dec 1987
Death Place: Pasco, Franklin, Washington, USA
Death Registration Place: Washington, USA
Certificate Number: 7 42269
Father: Joseph Lane Savage
Mother: Alma Pascavis
Spouse: Theresa Ruzicka
- [S545] Mountain View Cemetery (Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington, USA), Grave Markers.
EARL GORDON SAVAGE
SP5 US ARMY
VIETNAM
SEP 14 1948 - DEC 24 1987
- [S920] U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007.
Name: Earl Gordon Savage
Gender: Male
Race: White
Birth Date: 14 Sep 1948
Birth Place: Walla Walla, Washington
Death Date: Dec 1987
SSN: 534462072
Notes: Name listed as EARL GORDON SAVAGE; 23 Feb 1988: Name listed as E G SAVAGE
- [S135] SAVAGE-ALEXANDER, Theresa Ann, Email of 07 Feb 2000.
Date of Birth 9-14-48
- [S135] SAVAGE-ALEXANDER, Theresa Ann, Email of 07 Feb 2000.
died Dec 24, 1987
- [S135] SAVAGE-ALEXANDER, Theresa Ann, Email of 10 Feb 2000.
I married Earl in Lewiston, Idaho on Sept 14, 1968
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1948 - 1987 (39 years)
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