Shirley Ann Ruddell

August 9th, 1960 - August 21st, 2026

Memorial

Shirley Ann Ruddell was born, Shirley Ann Souza on August 9, 1960; in Vicenza Italy. Daughter to John and Shirley Souza of New Bedford and Mattapoisett, Mass., collectively. She was the fourth of seven children. Coming from a military family, she traveled Europe and the United States, following her father's deployments. The family settled in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, in 1973. She attended both Meadowlawn Middle and Northeast High Schools in St. Petersburg, Fl. In 1979, she met and married Barry L. Ruddell of Washington D.C., then went on to mother 3 beautiful children, Isaac Ruddell(1980-2024), Daniel Ruddell(1981) and Bobbie Lee Ruddell(1982). She went on as a hard working beloved mother and wife.. who was known for her infectious laugh and willingness to help others. She was loved and cherished by all who came in contact with her. On August 21, 2026; she passed peacefully surrounded by family. She will be deeply missed. She is survived by her son, Daniel B. Ruddell(44/Dover), her daughter; Bobbie L. Davis(43/Dover) and by her grandson Hunter Steel Ruddell(19/Lakeland). Sister; Debbie Zoback(67/Jacksonville,NC). Brother; Alexander M. Souza(45/Dover).

Tributes

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Barry Ruddell

Shirley Ann was the love of my life.

Published September 29th, 2026

Becky

I have put this off as long as I can. My heart is broken. I have, or have had, cousins by the dozens. Many I was around way more than I was ever around my Uncle John and Aunt Shirley's kids. I swear, a year, three years, five years, could go by between visits with that bunch, but one thing is sure: If it was a month, or a year, or five, when we connected again, it was like we were never apart. Shirley, Donna, and I kicked around the most, but ALL of them were precious to us. My mother felt the same way about her brother and his entire family. Of our many shared relatives, these folks were most like us. It is heartbreaking when we lose another beloved cousin. We are so few these days. As always, it is the ones still going who are hurting, and I wish to send my love and deepest sympathies to the family. I only met Barry once and never met their children aside from Isaac as an infant. This is equally hard on them, and my heart goes out to all of them. Shirley Ann was the practical one of the three of us when we were kids. Barely a month older than me, she was always trying to keep me and Donna from being too awfully silly. Sometimes it worked. Other times not so much, and we would even get her to act a little silly too! We always had fun. Shirley was fun to be with, a little bossy, but then she'd cut loose and start laughing when we took her too seriously. Later, when we were older and married, we discovered that she, and I, and my Aunt Shirley, were all pregnant at the same time. It was a pretty neat situation. So many years have gone by since then, with far too many losses in our families. I got to meet the youngest as an adult a few years ago when he and Shirley came here for a visit. As I have said before, I'm very glad Alex was born. Like the rest of his family, he is a good person, the kind you're happy to see and hang with. I know this is incredibly hard on these folks. The death of a loved one is never easy. Please reach out if there is anything I can help with, or if you just want to get away for a while, or whatever. I love you. Blessings to all of you.

Published September 12th, 2026

Debbie

I’ve attempted to write something meaningful about my sister Shirley Ann several times now, only to find it to difficult. So, here goes…Shirley made me a big sister at an early age. From as far back as I can remember I felt the need to protect her, not that she needed it most of the time. She was strong or at least that’s how she portrayed herself most of her life. She was kind and would take care of anyone who needed it, she opened her home to who ever needed a place to stay for as long they needed. She would joke that it was the” Ruddell refugee camp.” Her life wasn’t always easy she had battled cancer twice before it finally took her from us. She had been heartbroken after losing her oldest son Isaac. But, she kept going, kept on being Shirley. She was intelligent and witty, I loved debating with her about different issues we didn’t always agree, but we always agreed that was okay. Shirley had an incredibly contagious laugh that was hardy and genuine. I only wish we’d had more time together. It’s funny when you come from a big family how you have built in relationships, your sister are your best friends in early childhood, at least mine always were. I’ve lost all of my sisters now… strange I never expected to be in this position. Michelle (Mickie), Donna the youngest and now Shirley Ann. I remember the day she called to tell me Donna had passed… she was crying she couldn’t believe it we had lost our baby sister. We cried together over the phone. We had lost so much two brothers and two sister’s. But she still called me kiddo and tried to console me. Always acting like the “big sister” and me alway reminding her that she wasn’t. But, she made smile…in fact I just smiled while writing this. I will always love you and miss you Shirley Ann. My heart is broken and will be forever. Your big sister Debbie ❤️

Published September 26th, 2026