Rudy Ruiz, Sr.

Rudy Ruiz, Sr., 72, entered into eternal rest on May 8, 2026, in Harlingen, Texas. He was born on July 27, 1953, in Harlingen to Cipriano Ruiz and Pauline Juarez Ruiz. Our dad was one of the hardest-working people we knew. The work ethic he instilled in all three of us is something we carry proudly every day. He believed in showing up, working hard, and always helping others, no matter how tired he was. If someone needed help, he never hesitated. He would drop everything for family, friends, or even strangers in need. Our dad had a heart bigger than words can describe. He would give you his last dollar or the shirt off his back without expecting anything in return. Helping others brought him joy, and the way he loved and cared for people taught us loyalty, sacrifice, and kindness. His strength and generosity are things we will carry with us forever. Dad finished strong by walking into God’s grace with a surrendered heart before the Lord. We find peace knowing God’s mercy is never too late. Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.’” — Luke 23:39–43 He is survived by his beloved wife, Brunilda Fernandez of Harlingen; his three loving children, Debbie Ann Ruiz of Fort Worth, Texas, Erica Alvarado and her husband Alfonso of Midlothian, Texas, and Rudy Ruiz, Jr., and his wife April of Midlothian, Texas. He was also a proud grandfather to Jonathon Ruiz-Silva, Faith Silva, Celeste Quesada and her husband Samuel, Jasmyne Alvarado, Riley Angel Ruiz, and Lillian Ruiz, all of whom brought immense joy to his life. Also left to cherish his memory are his siblings, Rosemary Fonseca and her husband Ruben of McAllen, Texas, Rebecca Lopez and her husband Ruben of San Antonio, Texas, Rita Grimando of Weslaco, Texas, Ricky Ruiz and his wife Letty of San Antonio, Texas, Ray Ruiz and his wife Annie of Farmers Branch, Texas, and Rosie Garza and her husband Mario of La Feria, Texas, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Rudy was preceded in death by the mother of his children, Lillie Salmeron Ruiz; his parents, Cipriano Ruiz and Pauline Juarez Ruiz; and his brother, Robert Ruiz. Serving as pallbearers will be Rudy Ruiz, Jr., Riley Angel Ruiz, Jonathon Ruiz-Silva, Alfonso Alvarado, Joel Silva, and Samuel Quesada. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 15, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a celebration of life service at 5:00 PM at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Peace in Harlingen, Texas, with Pastor Vanessa Salmeron of Latter Reign Ministry officiating. A graveside service with military honors under the auspices of the American Legion Post 205 and VFW Post 2410 will take place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Mont Meta Memorial Park Cemetery in San Benito, Texas. The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to Pastor Vanessa Salmeron for her prayers, love, and unwavering support during this difficult time. They also extend their sincere appreciation to the ICU staff at Harlingen Medical Center and Gentiva Hospice for the compassionate care and kindness shown to Rudy and his family. Rudy will be remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and cherished brother whose greatest joy in life was his family. He leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, and dedication that will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen, Texas.

Rudy Ruiz, Sr.

July 27, 1953 - May 8, 2026

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