Ruth Joan Jasper

Ruth Joan Jasper, longtime resident of Lafayette, died Sunday night at her home after a brief illness. She passed peacefully with her husband and nurse at her side. Everyone who knew Ruth loved her and we will miss her bright smile and lovely voice. Ruth was born in Denver, CO on September 17, 1931 and died Sunday, February 1, 2015. She met her husband, Doug Jasper, in 1964 and they were married in 1965. The Jaspers celebrated 49 years of marriage this last September. Doug was a Navy pilot and the couple honeymooned in Sicily, compliments of Doug’s posting there. Ruth and Doug did not have children, but count the Ada Hebert family as their own, spending holidays and other important occasions together. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Jinacio and a sister, Claudia. Ruth graduated from the University of Denver in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. Ruth taught in the Denver public school system as a kindergarten teacher and also taught kindergarten for 20 years at Prairie Elementary in Lafayette. Ruth was honored as teacher of the year at Prairie in 1991. Ruth loved music. When she was younger, she appeared with her mother and sister on local television. She was a Pink Lady at Lafayette General for several years and welcomed many visitors with her sparkling smile and kind sweetness. She was honored as “Pink Lady of the Year” and twice president of the Pink Lady Association. She often sang “God Bless America” for the Pink Lady Association, Military Officers Association and the Lafayette Teachers’ Credit Union, as well as the Cokesbury Choir at Asbury United Methodist Church. Mr. Jasper wants to thank Hospice of Acadiana and particularly Dr. Morris Hoffpauir for their care during Ruth’s illness. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, friends may make donations to the Stephen Ministry at Asbury UMC in Lafayette or Hospice of Acadiana. Upon her passing, Ruth donated her body to LSU and the family will inter her remains later in the Asbury United Methodist Church Columbarium. Ruth’s memorial service will be at Asbury UMC, corner of Live Oak and Johnston, Thursday, February 5, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Susan Ferguson will officiate and there will be a reception following the service in the Asbury Fellowship Hall. Personal condolences may be sent to the Jasper family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, LA is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Ruth Joan Jasper

September 17, 1931 - February 1, 2015