Monica A. Ruck, 86, transitioned from this life to her eternal reward on Friday, December 22, 2017. Born August 28, 1931 in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Monica was an accomplished opera soprano, performing for audiences in the US and internationally.

Although Monica was a happy homemaker and a successful performer, there was a void in her life that was filled when she believed and obeyed God's plan of salvation. Upon hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ, Monica repented of her sins, was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and was filled with the gift of the Holy Spirit. From that point on, her passion to perform was replaced with a passion to know, serve, praise, worship and talk about the one true God, Jesus Christ.

Monica was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend who will be missed dearly by those who knew her.

Monica is survived by her loving husband of 56 years, Luis T. Ruck; two of her children, Luis I. Ruck (wife Kathy), Roberto T. Ruck (wife Heather); eleven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Vera M. Perreira.

Monica is preceded in death by her daughter, Patricia E. Nevius; and her brother, Keith B. Ortiz.

A celebration of Monica's life will be held Thursday, December 28 at 12 PM at The Messiah Center, 1421 W. Pembroke Ave, Hampton, VA, followed by interment at Parklawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held Wednesday, December 27 6-7 PM at R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a donation to Pathway Christian Church, 1021 Norwood Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20905.