Jose Jesus Ruiz

Jose Jesus “Papa” Ruiz, 84, of Payette, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, April 17, 2013 at 5 a.m. at St. Alphonus Medical Center – Ontario. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, April 18th at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Friday, April 19th at Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Payette. Condolences may be made to Jose’s family at www.shaffer-jensenchapel.com.

Jose was born in Guanajuato, Mexico on Oct. 28, 1928 to Agustin Ruiz and Faustina Jimenez. He married Juanita Mena his loving “Ruca” in Crystal City, TX on Sept. 28, 1952. Together they raised four children; Jorge, Tina, Gloria, and Socorro.

He was a hardworking man, having done farm labor most of his life. He made a big impact on all of us; teaching us the importance of earning an honest living, doing the job right and never taking short cuts. He also taught us to live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment. Don’t dwell on the small and unimportant things. Find humor in rough situations was his way of making things OK.

Papa enjoyed the outdoors and the freedom to do what helped his loved ones; from planting fruits and vegetables in his garden to share with family and friends to making sure we “empacar” before leaving his house. He always thought of others, sometimes forgetting to take care of himself.

Dog really was Papa’s best friend. His pets often joined him on a nice long drive on a sunny afternoon with a detour to McDonalds where his lucky companion snacked on a hamburger for lunch.

The many ways he showed love was from nicknames such as El macho, Saranpiona, Cachi and Filomena; to outsiders it may sound silly but to us a symbol of love. His famous “coscorones”, us being warned it would hurt but to him a sign of affection. To our special handshake, the symbol of laziness that to us meant hello, I love you and take care all in one.

Papa a father figure to many; a symbol of love, strength and devotion. We will treasure the memories, adventures and life stories he shared with us with excitement and enthusiasm.

Jose is survived by his wife and lifelong companion, Juanita Ruiz of Payette, ID; his sister, Suzanna Ruiz of Brownsville, TX; a son, Jorge Ruiz and wife Norma Ruiz of Payette, ID; three daughters, Tina Rodriguez of Carrizo Springs, TX, Gloria Ruiz of Ontario, OR, and Socorro Ruiz of Fruitland, ID; 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.