Ružica Jovanović, 84, of Wheeling, IL and formally of Lyons, IL, passed away on Monday, March 22, 2021. She was born on March 24, 1936 near Niš, Serbia and was the daughter of Dragoslav and Olga Djordjević. She is preceded in death by her parents, and her two sisters, Danica Osmanagić and Ljiljana Drenoska. Memory eternal.

Ruška, or Rose as she was known by her American friends, was a kind and giving woman and was known for her Serbian cooking, especially pita and palačinke. Her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and close friends. She was a loving wife, dear grandmother, wonderful aunt to her nieces and nephews, and a lifelong friend to many others.

Ružica is survived by her husband of 59 years, Svetozar, daughter, Katarina, son-in-law Joseph, and grandchildren Mark and Laura Cilia.

Friends and family around the globe are mourning her death, including those in Serbia, Bosnia & Hercegovina, Macedonia, Switzerland, Australia, and the US.

A private funeral service will be held to honor her life.