Ruth Duplessis Ourso

Ruth Duplessis Ourso peacefully passed away at her home on Monday, July 6, 2026, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, at the age of 91. She was born on Wednesday, July 25, 1934, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to the late Alice and Troy Duplessis. She was a resident of Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

Ruth was a lifelong member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, where she faithfully served her parish. She was a member of the Rosary Altar Society, led the Rosary before the 8:00 a.m. Sunday Mass, served as a lector and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and was a former parish council member and PTA president.. Ruth worked as a legal secretary and found joy in nature, dancing, and spending time with her family. She always welcomed everyone with open arms, making everyone feel special. She was the family historian, AKA "Funk and Wagnalls". Ruth will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Ruth is survived by her children, Joan Fuselier (Keith), Audrey Ramirez (Lloyd), Rose Harper, Paul Ourso (Vickie), Donna Pittman (CharlesWayne), Mary Alice Peterson (Jeff), Kathy Ourso (Pam), and Ernest Ourso, Jr. (Jeremy); 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; brother, Troy Duplessis, Jr. (Carol); and sister, Lois Freeman (Willie); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, Ernest Lee Ourso; parents, Alice Decoteau Duplessis and Troy L. Duplessis; and sisters, Dorothy Duplessis, Joan Duplessis, and Ann Prine.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Tiffany, Allison, Cindy, Jessica and the staff of Passages Hospice, as well as all of those who said prayers, brought food and came to visit Ruth and the family.

Family and friends will be received at Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Home - Ponchatoula , 100 W. Magnolia St., Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454 on Friday, July 10, 2026 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm.

A Rosary will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 255 North 8th Street, Ponchatoula, Louisiana 70454 on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 9:00 am, with the Funeral Mass to follow at 1:00 pm, with Fr. Paul McDuffie officiating.

Interment will follow at Ponchatoula Cemetery in Ponchatoula, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers, please request a Mass to be said in memory of Ruth Duplessis Ourso or donate to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Ponchatoula.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes of Hammond and Ponchatoula.