Obituary of Verona I. Ruiz

Verona I. Ruiz, 81 of Coralville passed peacefully in her daughter's home surrounded by her family on March 29, 2012. Verona Irma Smith, born March 23, 1931 in Waterloo, Iowa the daughter of Olaf and Hulda (Hilmer) Smith and was one of ten children. She was previously married to Peter Ruiz and is survived by her five children; Cathy & (Vince) Miller, Peter & (Sandra) Ruiz, Timothy & (Cathy) Ruiz, Tina &(Daryl) Bulle and Andrew Ruiz; other family includes her 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, her sister, Marvel Bakke; her brother, Virgil Smith and numerous nieces and nephews. Verona was employed by Fisher's Grill and Osco in Waterloo; also by Holiday Inn in Cedar Falls; Inns USA and Motel 6 in Coralville. She enjoyed bingo, crossword puzzles, going to the casino and loved her soaps. She loved our family gatherings, games and little shows the grandchildren would perform. Verona was never shy to show pictures of her children and their children. Playing cards with her sisters, nieces, and cousins was always special. She loved to roller skate when she was young and even older with her kids, going to movies while eating a "Big" popcorn with lots of butter. Most of her sisters did not drive, but she finally got her driver's license and they planned and went on vacation trips together. She was a loving caretaker for many when they became ill, even terminally ill she was there to the very end. Her 'Celebration of Life' will begin with a gathering of relatives and friends at 1:00 PM Monday, April 2, 2012, followed by a 'Presentation of her Life' at 2:00 PM at the Gay and Ciha Funeral Home, in Iowa City. At her request and in appreciation of the care, attention and love she received from Hospice, a fund has established in her memory for Hospice. Hospice relies heavily on donations in order to provide their outstanding care. Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web @ www.gayandciha.com