Marissa Rae Ruiz lived a sweet 39 years surrounded by love. On June 7, 2022 she passed away peacefully at home. Marissa was born in Thornton, Colorado to Diana and Tony Ruiz, April 20, 1983. She graduated from Thornton High School and attended day programs at ABLE and Laradon Hall where she enjoyed the company of friends and the daily outings in the community. Even with her extensive disabilities, Marissa was always able to make her wants and needs known to those who loved her. Although she never had words to communicate, she had a vocabulary of sounds and non-verbal expressions and behaviors that let anyone, who spent time to know her, understand what she wanted. Marissa loved music, food, laughing and having fun with family. Friday night dance parties at home, movie nights, backyard barbecues, holiday gatherings fed her spirit.
She was preceded in death by her father Tony Ruiz and her mother Diana Sharon Ruiz, her aunt and uncle Tammy and Richard Fowler, her Nino, Bernard Catbagan and her grandparents. She is survived by her brother Anthony Ruiz, Jr., Tina, Richard, Natalya, Alex, Andrew and Adam, who are the loving Fowler family with whom she lived after her mom died, her “grandparents” Addie and Gary Reiber and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A celebration of Life service is Monday, June 20, 9:30 a.m. at Highland Olinger Mortuary, 10201 North Grant Street, Thornton, CO 80229. Following the service, please join the family for a continental breakfast at the hall at Holy Cross Church, 9371 Wigham St., Thornton, CO 80229.
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