Dr. Ruthann Weaver Lariscy was born on August 12, 1949 and passed away on July 12, 2024. She was cherished as a beloved wife, mother, sister, friend, and professor.

Ruthann spent her formative years in Springfield, MO, the youngest child of Lawson Weaver and Billie Hayes Weaver. During her childhood, she thrived as a competitive and accomplished debater. Ruthann completed her undergraduate degree at The University of Missouri. She went on to earn her master’s degree from Southwest Missouri State University (now MSU), and then her doctorate from The University of Missouri in 1980.

Ruthann began her career at Auburn University where she taught for one year before settling at The University of Georgia in 1981. She devoted 33 years to Grady College’s department of advertising and public relations. Teaching both introductory and graduate level courses, she was passionate about inspiring young people to pursue the field she loved. These endeavors earned her admiration from both students and colleagues. Her enduring contributions to academia and political public relations will be felt through her students and publications.

Of all the roles Ruthann cherished, the one that mattered most to her was that of wife and mother. She and Joe had three children. Despite working full time, Ruthann always made her family her highest priority. She exemplified the principle that family comes first, always supporting her children’s endeavors and cheering them on.

The “hostess with the mostest”, Ruthann loved to entertain. Her family holds dear the multitude of memories of Ruthann’s warmth and hospitality as she welcomed family and friends into her home. She was an incredible cook, and she relished sitting down at an impeccably designed table to enjoy delicious food and share stories.

Ruthann was also an accomplished and avid gardener, an animal lover, a beekeeper in training, and a voracious reader. She loved engaging in lively debates and playing bridge. After many years as a self-proclaimed “wannabe grandmother,” her grandchildren, when they arrived, were the apples of her eye.

Ruthann is survived by her husband of almost 42 years, Joseph Edgar Lariscy, III, her children, Rachel Lariscy Craven and son-in-law Scott of Athens, GA; Joseph Edgar Lariscy, IV of Charlotte, NC; Mary Lariscy Galis and son-in-law Ben of Athens, GA; four grandchildren: Emmeline Craven (5), Harmon Galis (3), Elliot Craven (2), and baby boy Galis due this December; brother Alex Weaver and sister-in-law Suzanne of Dallas, TX; sister Susan Weaver Cohen and brother-in-law Irwin of Springfield, MO; and her beloved dog, Rosie.

The family invites all who loved Ruthann to join them in a celebration of her beautiful life on Sunday, July 28, 2024 at 5:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial contributions be made to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. For additional information, please see the memorial website.

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