On April 7, 1948 he enlisted into the United States Army and proudly served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He married Marie Tremblay on September 10, 1965 and was blessed with three daughters who he lovingly referred to as Daughter #1, Daughter #2 and Daughter #3 (Peanut).
The family moved to Lubbock in 1967. After his last tour in Vietnam he became a 4th USA ROTC Instructor at Texas Tech University. On July 31, 1978 after serving his country for 30 years, he retired from the US Army in Ft. Sill, OK.
During his service he earned the following awards: Korean Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal Eighth Award, United Nations Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal with First Oak Leaf Cluster, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation, Air Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with “60” Device, Six Overseas Service Bars, Bronze Star Medal with Third Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star Medal with “V” Device, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Nine Service Stars.
He went on to work for Evans Tank Company, Terra Engineering and Sam’s Club. He served his community as an active member of the Redbud and Crossroads Lions Clubs. He was a lifetime member of the Lions Eye Bank and the Texas Lions Camp for Crippled Children. He enjoyed dancing, bowling and game nights with family and friends. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. He was also an avid fan of both the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Rangers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Encarnacion Ruiz and Herminia Medina Ruiz; brother, Ruben Ruiz and sister, Ninfa Ruiz Ochoa.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Marie Tremblay Ruiz; 3 daughters; Tina Ruiz and Cindy Bosley (Bozz) of Lubbock and Ann Marie Lyddane (Kris) of McKinney; lovingly called “Papa” by his 7 grandchildren: Christopher Miles, Noelle Miles (Chris), Emily Rankin (Andrew), Gabby Lyddane, Kris Lyddane, Michelle Muncrief and Weston Lyddane; great-grandson, Gabriel Brunet. Also his sister, Hilda Barrera (Bobby) of Kyle; and many nieces and nephews.
He will be greatly missed by his beloved family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, June 9, 2018 at Resthaven Funeral Home Abbey Chapel.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting memorials be made in his honor to: St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Wounded Warriors Project.
