Joe Ruiz Ledesma

Jose “Joe” Ruiz Ledesma, 90, passed away on October 7, 2023. Joe was a devoted and loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother, father-in-law, uncle, and friend. He was recently widowed and preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Ofelia Chavez Ledesma (his “Amor”, his “Honey”). Joe is survived by his three children, Rosemary Ledesma Sena (Joe), Joe Louis Ledesma, and Barbara Ledesma-Hebler (Gary) and by his grandchildren, Vincent Joseph Ramirez, Jonathan Diego Hebler, and Isabella Simone Hebler. He is also survived by his siblings, Manuel “Johnny” Ledesma, Gloria Lara, Rita Quinones, Armando Morales, and numerous nephews and nieces.

Joe was born on October 21, 1932, in Socorro, Texas, to his beloved birth parents, Simona Ruiz Morales and Liborio Morales (both deceased). Joe was raised in a loving and caring home by his beloved adoptive parents Enriqueta Ruiz Ledesma and Manual A. Ledesma (both deceased). Joe was also preceded in death by his siblings, Ismael Ledesma, Ricardo Ledesma, Emma Avila, Flora Morales, and Guadalupe

Ledesma.

Joe served proudly and honorably in the United States Navy from December 1952 until November 1956, and was deployed throughout the Pacific and East Asia. He served a tour of duty on a minesweeper, the USS Dynamic, during the Korean War. He went on to serve for numerous years as a Reservist. Joe also spent more than 30 years in Civil Service and retired as a Lead Welder on Fort Bliss.

Joe was an accomplished semi-professional boxer in his youth, and also helped to establish and served in the Socorro Volunteer Fire Department in the 1970’s. He was a skilled mechanic and worked on automotive bodywork. Joe also served a term as the Mayor Pro Tem of Socorro, Texas, during the 1990’s. Joe was a parishoner at La Purisima Catholic Church and at Our Laday of the Valley Catholic Church.

Joe’s hobbies included tending to his yard, golfing, playing poker, and being a handyman. There was not a thing he could not fix in his home.

A visitation for Joe will be held Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Martin Funeral Home East, 1460 George Dieter Dr., El Paso, TX 79936. A rosary will occur Tuesday, October 17, 2023, at 6:00 PM, 1460 George Dieter Dr, El Paso, TX 79936. A church service will occur Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at 8:30 AM at La Purisma Socorro Mission, 328 S Nevares Rd., Socorro, TX 79927.

Thank you to Guardian Angel Home Healthcare for their years of care and support. In remembrance, donations may be made to La Purisima Catholic Church, at the family’s request.