Jose Ruiz

Adventurer, goof-ball, faith, loving, selfless, and most of all, compassionate. These are the traits that defined him, traits that were enormously infectious and made anyone he met smile and feel good. Jose Ruiz Ovalle, 86, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2020 in San Diego California, after battling with Alzheimer’s for a few years. He was born to Concepcion and Altagracia Ruiz Ovalle in Guadalupe Zacatecas, Mexico.

Jose ventured out to California in his early 20’s, this was his adventurer side, to work in the agricultural fields as a field worker. He eventually settled in Bakersfield California with his wife Dora Ruiz. There he worked as a welder for many years and used his musician skills to work part time as a Mariachi player. After about 12 years in Bakersfield, Jose moved his family to El Paso Texas where he worked in various jobs. In looking for better work, and by the hand of God, Jose’s path took him to San Pablo Lutheran Church. He started working as general help for the church and eventually became a Deacon. With God’s guidance and influence, he obtained his High School GED and continued his studies at Concordia University (Missouri Synod) in Ministry Studies. There he became an Ordained Pastor and served the Lord for the rest of his career at San Pablo Lutheran Church. Two of Jose’s greatest accomplishments as a Pastor was establishing a Lutheran Church in Anapra, Juarez Mexico, and help form the first Christian Mariachi group in the Lutheran Church. The Mariachi group traveled throughout the entire US performing at different venues and churches to spread the word of the Lord through song. This was one of the most memorable moments and experiences of his life.

He was a loving father to his sons Joe, Pedro aka “Pirer”, and Gabriel Ruiz, and his lovely daughter Lupe Preston. A loving father-in-law of Betty, Mari, and Claudia Ruiz. He was also proud grandpa of Jazmine, Kayla, Peter Jr., Danny, and Niko Ruiz, and survived by his other grandsons John Scott Preston, Joe and Jacob Garcia. Jose is also survived by his brother Pascual Ruiz and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Jose will be fondly remembered by family and friends at his viewing on September 27th from 5 pm to 9 pm. His funeral mass will be held on Monday September 28th at 10 am. Both the viewing and the funeral mass will be at Glen Abbey Memorial Park at 3838 Bonita Road in Bonita CA.