Mrs. Marianne S. Ruiz

MARIANNE RUIZ February 22, 1939 – November 24 , 2011 Marianne passed away at Cottage Hospital, Santa Barbara, after a struggle with an aggressive, rare form of cancer of the appendix. Born in Oklahoma in farming country, she attended Springer School from first grade through high school. She moved to California a few years after graduation, finally settling in Santa Barbara. Marianne was the first-born daughter of Olen O. Sparks and Fannie Lee Sparks, both deceased. Marianne is survived by her husband of forty years, Paul J. Ruiz, and her daughter, Lisa Silva-Odendhal. She was the doting grandmother of Chase and Farrah Odendhal. She is survived by brother, Billy Ray Sparks (and wife Mary) of Washington State; sisters Olene Sparks of Point Richmond, California and Janie Pearson (husband Richard) of Springer, Oklahoma; former son-in-law, Farrel lOdendhal; nieces and nephews Jeff and Deirdre Pearson of Oklahoma,Terry and Victoria Sparks of Washington, Paul C. Ruiz of Los Olivos, David M. Ruiz of Oxnard, and Sally Ivy of Washington. Marianne retired from serving the City of Santa Barbara as Zoning Inspector, a job she held for over four decades. She liked her job and always spoke fondly of her co-workers. After retirement her "second profession" was serving as "Nana" to Chase and Farrah, a "job" that she loved tremendously. She still found the time to volunteer as needed, most recently at the Friendship Center of Montecito. Marianne's hobbies included cooking - her library of cookbooks numbers in the hundreds. She had a zest for life and a curiousity about people, places and things. She marveled at the birds that visited her back yard. Marianne enjoyed loyal, long-time friends that she and husband, Paul, socialized with and enjoyed annual jaunts to Las Vegas with friends. She kept in touch with high school friends from Oklahoma Please remember her as the generous spirit who enjoyed your love, concern and friendship. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 30, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Welch-Ryce-Haider Downtown Chapel. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to organizations that were very important to Marianne. The Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara at 632 E. Canon Perdido Street, and the Hospice Care and Visiting Nurses at 222 E. Canon Perdido Street, both in Santa Barbara.

Mrs. Marianne S. Ruiz

February 22, 1939 - November 24, 2011