Joann E. (née Woerner) Ruoff

At the age of 92, of Webster Groves and formerly of Richmond Heights, went to the Lord on July 17, 2024, surrounded by her six children. Throughout her life, she relied on her devotion to the Rosary, which they prayed at her bedside immediately upon her passing. She received the Last Rites of the Catholic Church prior to her death.

Born on July 12, 1932, in Philadelphia, Joann was the daughter of Elsie (née Heinrich) and Leo G. Woerner. Much of her childhood was spent in the village of Lenni outside the city. During high school summers, she worked at the Jersey Shore, one of many memories of life “back East” that she shared with her Midwest family.

She was the devoted and beloved mother of Thomas M. Ruoff, John “Jack” (Nessa) Ruoff, Mary (Michael) Hodsdon, Anna Marie (Tom) Magee, Margaret “Meg” Dye, and Christopher Ruoff; grandmother of Elise Dye, Erin (David) Blaser, Ellen (Bradlee) Thompson; Thomas and Robert Magee; Dmitry “Dima” Hodsdon; and Scott Marcotte and Jennifer and Nicole Urban;  great-grandmother of Eleanor and Teddy Blaser; Tilly Thompson; Alysia and Aliana; and Xavier; and aunt and friend to many.

After attending art school for a year in New York City, Joann enrolled in St. Louis University, where she earned an undergraduate degree in English and met the love of her life, Thomas  Ruoff. They married at St. Francis Xavier College Church in 1957. She was predeceased by Tom in 2019 and a few years earlier by her only sibling, Leo Woerner. Like her husband, Joann donated her body to St. Louis University School of Medicine.

Joann worked as a social worker before embarking on her career as a diligent, deeply caring housewife and mother to her six children and community volunteer and doer. She touched many lives and was a mother figure to many, especially through her volunteer work at Little Flower Catholic Church and School in Richmond Heights. Her accomplishments included many years as Girl Scout leader after starting a troop at Little Flower. Prison ministry for women was one of her volunteer activities in later years.

During her long and busy life, Joann worked in sales at St. Louis department stores, moving from Stix, Baer & Fuller to Famous-Barr (later Macy’s) and from part time to full time as her children grew up. After her husband passed, she made new friends and enjoyed life at The Rockwood independent senior living in Webster Groves, where she was a member of Mary Queen of Peace and most recently Holy Redeemer Catholic parishes.

Service: A Memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Sat., Aug. 3, at Little Flower Church, 1264 Arch Terrace, Richmond Heights, MO, 63117. Visitation prior from 10–11 a.m.