Obituary of Ruth Anne Marie Eleris

South Hadley- Ruth Anne Marie (DeCelles) Eleris, 82, passed away December 23, 2023. She was born on February 3, 1941 in Holyoke, MA, to the late Fernand and Stella (Shooner) DeCelles. Ruth earned her Associates Degree from Holyoke Junior College and a certificate in Medical Technology from Springfield Hospital. She had a long career as a Medical Technologist working in Arizona and Massachusetts. Ruth was a respected and admired manager, co-worker, and employee. During her tenure at Baystate Medical Center Ruth was known for her strong leadership style and unwavering dedication. Ruth retired in November 2006 as Director of Transfusion Services. 
Ruth enjoyed hosting extravagant Mexican-themed parties and family holiday gatherings. She was a food aficionado who appreciated a variety of ethnic cuisines. Whilst residing at Loomis Village in South Hadley she organized many creative and memorable parties as Chair of the Welcoming Committee. She also served on the Health and Wellness Committee, managed the community’s store, and participated on the Leadership Council. 
Besides her parents, Ruth was preceded in death by her brother, Charles DeCelles, granddaughter, Grace Larkin, and her husband of 41 years, Talib El Eris who passed away in 2010. Ruth is survived by her daughters, Christine El Eris and husband Fred Petrossi of CT, and Mona (El Eris) Larkin of NY; her siblings, David DeCelles of MA and Louise Cody of CT; four grandchildren: Paige and Arthur Larkin, and Stella and Caleb Petrossi; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. 
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:00 am at the Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 am at St. Theresa's Church in South Hadley. Burial will immediately follow in Notre Dame Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ruth's memory can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund by visiting www.jdrf.org/  or the ALS Association by visiting donate.als.org