Ernesto "Bird" Ruiz

Ernesto “Bird” Ruiz, born May 17, 1954, was called to the Lord on August 13, 2024, at the age of 70. Ernesto proudly served as a Vietnam Veteran with the United States Navy from 1973 to 1979 first directing aircraft on the flight deck of the USS Constellation then later as a Firefighter at San Clemente Island Airfield. He continued his military career with the Air National Guard from 1982 to 1986 serving as a Drill Instructor for new recruits. Following his military service, he dedicated 35 years to the Civil Service at Ft. Bliss, Texas, from which he retired.

Ernesto found joy in life's simple pleasures: traveling with his family, reading spy novels, and cherishing moments with his grand and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his father Benito Ruiz, mother Francisca Ruiz, sisters Edna Ruiz and Cecilia Carrasco, and brother Armando Ruiz.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 41 years, Romelia V. Ruiz; his son Christopher Michael Ruiz; daughter Jessica V. Hernandez and her husband Michael Hernandez; grandchildren Michael Anthony and Wife Samantha Hernandez, Patrick Isaiah and Wife Karina Hernandez, Alyssa J. and her fiancé Roberto Barraza; and great-grandchildren Melody and Madelyn Hernandez, and Michael Anthony Hernandez Jr. He is also survived by his siblings Irma Larriva married to Jesse Larriva, Sylvia Ruiz, Benito Ruiz Jr. married to Carmen Ruiz, Raymond Ruiz married to Katrina Ruiz, and Eduardo Ruiz, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at Hillcrest Memorial Funeral Home, 1060 N. Carolina Dr., from 4 PM to 9 PM, with a Rosary at 6 PM. The Funeral Mass will be at 12:30 PM on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, at St. Stephen Deacon & Martyr Church, 1700 George Dieter, with interment to follow at Ft. Bliss National Cemetery at 2 PM.