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The Genealogy of the Ruzicka and Manchak Families

Vincent Louis RUZICKA

Vincent Louis RUZICKA

Male 1923 - 1977  (53 years)


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  • Name Vincent Louis RUZICKA  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
    Birth 6 Sep 1923  Viking, Beaver, Alberta, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [2, 3, 4, 6, 10, 11
    Gender Male 
    Census 15 Apr 1930  Woodburn, Marion, Oregon, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [12
    Census 16 Apr 1940  Umatilla, Oregon, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [4
    Census 8 Apr 1950  Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [7
    Social Security Number Washington, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [2
    539-16-3249 
    Death 18 Apr 1977  Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [1, 2, 3, 6, 10
    Burial 21 Apr 1977  Mountain View Cemetery/Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [3, 6, 10, 13
    Person ID I540  Rivera Family Tree
    Last Modified 2 Sep 2025 

    Father Louis Anton RUZICKA,   b. 12 Jun 1892, Kearney, Buffalo, Nebraska, USA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 25 May 1969, Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington, USA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 76 years) 
    Relationship natural 
    Mother Helen Mary MERTA,   b. 4 Jun 1901, Prague, Lincoln, Oklahoma Territory, USA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 26 Jan 1980, Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington, USA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 78 years) 
    Relationship natural 
    Marriage 24 Nov 1919  Prague Catholic Church/Viking, Beaver, Alberta, Canada Find all individuals with events at this location  [14
    Family ID F52  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

    Family Mary Jane HAYS,   b. 20 Dec 1927, Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington, USA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 11 Oct 2018 (Age 90 years) 
    Marriage 31 Dec 1947  St. Patrick's Catholic Church/Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington, USA Find all individuals with events at this location  [5, 6, 15, 16
    Children 
    +1. Theresa Ann RUZICKA,   b. 25 Jun 1949, St. Mary's Hospital/Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington, USA Find all individuals with events at this locationd. 15 Feb 2025, Bend, Deschutes, Oregon, USA Find all individuals with events at this location (Age 75 years)  [Father: natural]  [Mother: natural]
    +2. Cecelia Joanne RUZICKA
    +3. Thomas Vincent RUZICKA
    +4. Yvonne Marie RUZICKA
    +5. Vincent Louis RUZICKA, Jr.
    Family ID F207  Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
    Last Modified 2 Sep 2025 

  • Sources 
    1. [S301] Obituary of Vincent Louis RUZICKA, (Name: Walla Walla Union-Bulletin; Location: Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington; Date: 19 Apr 1977;), Page 9.
      Vincent Louis Ruzicka, Box 43, died Monday at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Walla Walla...

    2. [S124] U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935 - 2014.
      Name: RUZICKA, VINCENT
      Birth: 06 Sep 1923
      Death: Apr 1977
      Age: 53
      Last Address of Record: 99348
      Issued By: Washington
      SSN: 539-16-3249

    3. [S545] Mountain View Cemetery (Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington, USA), Grave Markers, Catholic Cemetery Section.
      Vincent Louis RUZICKA
      Tec5 US Army
      World War II
      Sep 6 1923 + Apr 18 1977

    4. [S688] 1940 U.S. Census, Oregon, Umatilla, Sixteenth Census of the United States Schedule; Online Images, Supervisor's District No. 2, Enumeration District No. 30-2, Sheet No. 5B.
      Lines 43 thru 49

    5. [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.

    6. [S545] Mountain View Cemetery (Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington, USA), Grave Markers, Catholic Cemetery Section.
      RUZICKA
      MARRIED
      DECEMBER 31, 1947
      VINCENT LOUIS
      SEPTEMBER 6, 1923
      APRIL 18, 1977
      TEC5 US ARMY WWII
      MARY JANE
      JANUARY 20, 1924
      OCTOBER 11, 2018

    7. [S1050] 1950 U.S. Census, Washington, Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Seventeenth Census of the United States Schedule; Online Images, Census District No. 8, Enumeration District No. 36-13, Sheet No. 18.
      Lines 14 thru 24

    8. [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.

    9. [S163] U.S., Border Crossings from Canada to U.S., 1895-1960.
      Name: Louis Anton Ruzicka
      Gender: Male
      Nationality: Canadian
      Arrival Age: 33
      Record Type: Arrival
      Birth Date: abt 1892
      Birth Place: Kearney
      Residence Place: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
      Arrival Date: 25 Sep 1925
      Port of Arrival: Seattle, Washington, USA
      Marital Status: Married
      Father: John W.
      Spouse: Helen
      Sibling: Joe
      2nd Relative Name: Agnes
      2nd Relative Relationship: Child
      3rd Relative Name: Chas.
      3rd Relative Relationship: Child
      4th Relative Name: Vincent
      4th Relative Relationship: Child

    10. [S174] Cemeteries of Walla Walla, Washington, (Location: http://www.interment.net/data/us/wa/wallawalla/mtview/mtview_rirz.htm;), Home > United States > Washington > Walla Walla > Mountain View Cemetery > Surnames - Ri-Rz.
      Ruzicka, Vincent L., b. Sep 6, 1923, d. 1977 Apr 18, Tec 5 US Army WWII, Catholic Sec

    11. [S301] Obituary of Vincent Louis RUZICKA, (Name: Walla Walla Union-Bulletin; Location: Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington; Date: 19 Apr 1977;), Page 9.
      Ruzicka was born Sept. 6, 1923, in Viking, Alberta, Canada...

    12. [S159] 1930 U.S. Census, Oregon, Marion, Woodburn, Fifteenth Census of the United States Schedule; Online Images, (Date: 15 Apr 1930;), Enumeration District No. 24-95, Supervisor's Distrct No. 2, Sheet No. 2B, Lines 85 thru 91.

    13. [S301] Obituary of Vincent Louis RUZICKA, (Name: Walla Walla Union-Bulletin; Location: Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington; Date: 19 Apr 1977;), Page 9.
      The funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick's Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Thursday.

    14. [S915] Alberta, Canada, Marriages Index,1898-1942.
      Name: Louis A Ruzicka
      Gender: Male
      Marriage Date: 1919
      Marriage Place: Prague, Alberta, Canada
      Spouse: Helen Merta
      Certificate Number: 257

    15. [S38] CATT, Cecelia, Email of 10 Feb 2000.
      For my father, Vincent Louis Ruzicka Sr. you show the marriage date of December 31, 1950 - the year is incorrect and should be 1947.

    16. [S301] Obituary of Vincent Louis RUZICKA, (Name: Walla Walla Union-Bulletin; Location: Walla Walla, Walla Walla, Washington; Date: 19 Apr 1977;), Page 9.
      He was married to Mary Jane Hays in Walla Walla Dec. 31, 1947.


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