Lanna L. Ruddy

Dr. Lanna L. Ruddy, 78, of Geneseo, New York, passed away peacefully of natural causes on October 18, 2025.

She was predeceased by her parents, Virginia (Myers) Ruddy and William Ruddy, Jr., of St. Joseph, Missouri, and her brother, William Ruddy III of Breunigsweiler, Germany.

Dr. Ruddy was born and raised in St. Joseph, Missouri, and earned her PhD from the University of Missouri (Kansas City). After two years’ employment at St. Mary’s College and Notre Dame, Dr. Ruddy became a member of the SUNY Geneseo psychology department in 1976 and retired in 2018.

Dr. Ruddy’s primary interest and research was in animal behavior, and in 1969, she was the first to successfully breed freshwater Texas cichlids fish in captivity. In 1972, she discovered necromones (chemicals emitted by dead organisms that cause other species to flee) in many freshwater and saltwater fish, including the great white shark. During her lengthy research and teaching career, Dr. Ruddy worked with many varieties of rodents, invertebrates, arachnids, amphibians, and fish, sharing her findings in nationally-published journals and in the classroom.

In her younger years she traveled worldwide, visiting all seven continents. Once settled in Geneseo, Dr. Ruddy created a paradise in her home and garden and was a vigorous advocate for homeless cats.

There will be no calling hours or service. Donations in Lanna Ruddy’s memory can be made to New Start Kitty Rescue, 6342 Denton Corners Rd., Castile, NY, 14427 or to Peaceful Valley Donkey Rescue, 8317 Duckworth Rd., San Angelo, TX, 76905.