Theresa Ann (Ruzicka) (Savage) Alexander

Theresa Ann [Savage] Alexander passed away Saturday, February 15, 2025, in Bend, OR. Theresa was born at St. Mary Hospital on June 25, 1949, in Walla Walla, WA, to her parents, Vincent Louis Ruzicka Sr. and Mary Jane (Hays) Ruzicka.

She completed her senior year of high school at Kennewick High in 1967. While living in Kennewick, she met her future husband, Earl Gordon (Joe) Savage. He was the son of an old family friend. Her family moved to Lewiston, ID soon after, where she and Joe were married. The nuptials were held at the Nazarene Church on September 14, 1968. Soon after their marriage, Joe was drafted into the Army and stationed in Ft. Knox, KY, where they had their first child, Jason Lane Savage. When Joe's service was completed, they returned to Lewiston, ID.

They eventually moved to Walla Walla, where Theresa completed her degree in cosmetology at DeMers Beauty College. During this time, they had two more children, Sheri Dawn (Savage) Robertson and Michael Shane Savage. She worked with a longtime friend, Deanna Williams, at DJ's Hair Salon. Shortly thereafter, they purchased a five-acre home near Milton-Freewater, OR. She started her own salon business at her home. She and her family spent many years enjoying the country life. Theresa became very involved in the activities her children were interested in. She volunteered for many fundraisers and athletic events. After she lost her husband, she moved her family into Milton-Freewater.

Still being involved with her children's events, she met her second husband, a high school math teacher and golf coach, James (Jim) Harland Alexander. While they were dating, Jim taught her how to golf, which became a sport they shared. She competed in women's and Jack & Jill tournaments and even won a few trophies. After a short courtship, they were married on July 7, I990. After her husband retired from teaching, he took an assignment to teach in Monument, OR. While there, they hosted several exchange students from all over the world. Some of these students developed a lifelong friendship with them. Theresa taught painting, wood carving, and various other arts. When they returned to Milton-Freewater, she became an active member of Assumption Catholic Church, where she served as Eucharistic Minister for several years. Theresa worked at the Walla Walla Catholic Schools in the preschool.  She also volunteered to paint stage and wall murals for the Hope Dinners and several other fundraisers. She loved helping and sharing her artistic abilities. You always found a smile on her face, giving comfort to many. Her favorite pastimes were singing, dancing, painting, sewing, and wood carving. For many years, Theresa and Jim made many trips with friends and family to the Oregon Coast and the Imnaha for fishing and camping.

A few years after returning from Monument, they moved out to the Alexander homestead near Milton-Freewater. She loved growing and tending her flower gardens and growing vegetables. Due to declining health, it became necessary for her children to move Theresa to Bend, OR, to be close to her daughter for much-needed care. Her siblings were able to visit with her the last couple of days before she passed away peacefully, with her daughter by her side.

Theresa was preceded in death by her first husband, Earl Gordon (Joe) Savage; her parents, Vincent L. Ruzicka Sr. and Mary Jane (Hays) Ruzicka.

She is survived by her husband, James (Jim) Harland Alexander; her sons, Jason Lane Savage (Ann) and Michael Shane Savage (Lucia); her daughter, Sheri Dawn Robertson (John); Step-daughters: Jimmi Kaye Hinger and Jill Alexander Sasser (Jody); her siblings, Cecelia J. (C.J.) Catt, Thomas V. Ruzicka (Tracy), Yvonne M. Duncan Sr. (Gerard), and Vincent L. (Zeek) Ruzicka Jr. (Judy); as well as numerous nephews and nieces. A sister-in-law, Phyllis Heidenrich. Grandchildren: Christian Savage, Olivia Savage, Brittney Robertson Reardon (William). Cody Robertson, Madeleine Robertson, Courtney Villagrana Savage, Cameron Savage. Step­ grandsons: Tyler Grindstaff (Alexandra), Blake Hinger, and Nash Sasser. Great-grandchildren; Mary Jane Robertson, William Reardon. Step-great-grandchildren: Alexzander Grindstaff and Wyatt Grindstaff.

A Memorial Mass will be held at Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Catholic Church. 2098 E. Alder in Walla Walla on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 2120 S. Second Avenue. Following the burial service, there will be a reception held at the Assumption Parish Hall.

Memorial donations may be made to Assumption Church or Walla Walla Catholic schools through Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder St., Walla Walla, WA 99362, in memory of Theresa.