Anita DuMarce

Anita Jo DuMarce passed away on January 11, 2022 at her home in Wheaton, MN at the early age of 46. She had battled cancer for three years,and had recently been cancer free. She was surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by remembering her faith and follow through to live a better life.

A Remembrance Service will be held Monday, January 17, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.  at the Peever Community Center in Peever, SD with Tasinagiwin Gill officiating.  There will be a breakfast beginning at 10:00 a.m.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 7:00 p.m. until Midnight.  A breakfast will be held on Sunday January 16, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. with a Naming Ceremony beginning at 2:00 p.m. and an all-night wake to follow.  All services will be held at the Peever Community Center.

Pallbearers will be: Aurelio Lara-Ruiz, Inkpa Mani, Dave Haaland, Darus Elhers, Gary Elhers, Cody Klein, Chris Couillard and Robert Gill.  Honorary Pallbearers will be: Jimmy Lindel, Jermy Lindel, Joseph Sobaszkiewicz, Simone DuMarce, Clifford DuMarce, Paul Mitteness, Zach Pryzmus and Tom Cameron.

Anita Jo Dumarce (Ruiz) was born on December 31, 1975 to Denise Ruiz and Joseph Sobaszkiewicz in South Saint Paul, Minnesota. She was raised up to the age of 9 by her Grandfather who she called Apa. From an early age he taught her the traditional Masea Maxica (Aztec) culture in Mexico and the United States.

Anita was well-traveled. She lived in Jalisco Mexico, St. Paul Minnesota, Hawaii, Chihuahua Mexico; and settled on a farm North of Wheaton, MN.

Anita had a brilliant mind; when she was in middle school she was advanced a grade level, and when she was in high school, she again was advanced a grade level.  She continued a lifelong love for learning and education. She attended a Montessori school for gifted and talented students and graduated early at the age of 16.

Anita first attended college at Inver Hills Community College, where she studied psychology. She also attended Alexandria Technical and Community College, Minnesota State and Technical College for health care and nursing.

Anita was acknowledged throughout her life as a disciplined and hard-working woman. Whether it was working fields in Mexico, being a foster parent, a manager at Schiltz food, or nurse at Traverse Care Center, she excelled at her job. Anita brought a shining smile and personality that warmed many who knew her.

From an early age, being a mother was at the core of Anita's heart and spirit. She had four children who she cherished. Her children are Alishia Couillard 30, Aurelio Lara-Ruiz 25, Javier Lara-Ruiz (Inkpa Mani) 24, and Xitlalymariadelapaz (Paz) Lara-Ruiz 22.   At the age of only 18, Anita became the youngest foster parent in Minnesota. She had many foster kids who she helped raise.

Anita’s immediate family continues with her four children: Alishia Couillard (of Alexandria), Aurelio Lara-Ruiz (of Long Prairie, MN), Xitlalymariadelapaz (Paz) Lara-Ruiz (of Wheaton, MN), Javier Lara-Ruiz (Inkpa Mani [of Wheaton, MN]), and his daughter (her granddaughter) Wachazizisapa Whitecloud (also of Wheaton, MN), her brothers Jeremy Lindell and James (Jimmy) Lindell.  Anita had a love of nature and animals and maintained a small hobby farm with her children that included: ducks, chickens, guineas, goats, pigs, rabbits, cats, and some wild animals.

Anita was proud of her children and she was the thread that kept the children together after moving out on their own. An example of Anita’s parenting can be seen through her support of her children’s diverse interests, academic accomplishments, and successes.

Anita is also known for her dedication to the Native American way of life and spirituality.  She took great pride in her participation with ceremonies such as the Sun Dance and Matachines.

Anita was a dedicated mother first and foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. She especially loved her recent role as a grandmother.