Jeanne Ruli Darling

Jeannie Ruli Darling, 62, died peacefully at her home in Baton Rouge, surrounded by her family and friends, on December 29,2023 following a brief and an unfair fight against cancer. She is survived by her loving husband, and best friend of 36 years, Thom Darling and her daughter, Laura Darling Mounger (Clayton). She was known as Gigi to her two greatest blessings, her grandchildren, Cecilia and Matthew.

She was preceded in death by her parents Dr. Jack Ruli and Margaret Stulb Ruli. Jeannie is survived by her five siblings, Mary (Maggie) Ruli, Cecilia R. Pakron (Fred), Jack Ruli, Jr. (Holly), Kathleen R. Wendel (Eric), and Tommy Ruli (Stephanie) and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was born and raised in New Orleans. She graduated from St. Pius X Catholic School in Lake Vista and Mount Carmel Academy. Jeannie earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Louisiana State University, and a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of New Orleans. Jeannie will always be remembered as The Queen of all things, but especially, The Queen Bee at St. Pius X, and The Queen of all things LSU. Upon earning her master's degree, Jeannie returned to St. Pius X as Queen Bee, to her kindergarten students and their families.

She taught for 20 years until being uprooted to Baton Rouge after Hurricane Katrina. Upon her retirement from St. Pius X, Jeannie received the Order of St. Louis Award from the Archdiocese of New Orleans for her community service in St. Pius X Parish. Jeannie was best known as a devoted, beyond words, LSU Tiger Fan. Whether football, baseball, gymnastics, or basketball, Jeannie attended the games and proudly displayed her support for the Purple and Gold. Tailgating with the G&G Tiger Express Social and Pleasure Club was Jeannie's passion. She also showed her Tiger Spirit as a member of the LSU Bengal Belles, the Ladies of Section 420, IYKYK, and the Left Field Lunatics.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 6666 Spanish Fort Boulevard on Saturday, January 6, 2024 from 9 am to noon, with a funeral Mass immediately following. Following the mass, please join us for a celebration in Father A. T. Screen Gymnasium at St. Pius X. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Pillars of St. Pius X, an endowment fund for the teachers at St. Pius X Catholic School, 6666 Spanish Fort Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70124.