Maria S. Ruiz

Maria S. Ruiz, 96, entered into eternal rest on November 6, 2025, in Harlingen, Texas. Maria was a woman of deep faith and unwavering devotion to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and to her beloved family. A model of strength, courage, and perseverance, she dedicated her life to hard work and the well-being of those she loved. Each morning, long before sunrise, Maria would rise at 2:00 a.m. to prepare potato and egg or chorizo and egg tacos for her eight children before she and her husband set out to work in the fields. She believed wholeheartedly in the power of education and integrity, and she instilled those values in her children, who all grew to be the good citizens she prayed they would become. Although she never learned to read, Maria’s determination and love for her family knew no bounds. When one of her daughters faced health challenges, Maria bravely drove her to Galveston to seek medical care, showing the same courage and tenacity that defined her life. Maria worked tirelessly in the fields for many years and later in the tomato and shrimp canning industries. In her later years, she devoted herself to caring for her grandchildren, nurturing them with the same love, patience, and faith that guided her entire life. She is survived by her eight children: Gracie Leal of Harlingen; Diana Ruiz of Harlingen; Rodolfo Ruiz (Aida) of San Benito; Raquel Almaraz of San Antonio; Roberto Ruiz (Rebecca), Natalia Ruiz, Isabel Portales, and Juanita Cuellar (Pedro), all of Harlingen. She is also survived by ten grandchildren: Iris Leal, Melissa Leal, Luis Rodolfo Ruiz, Isela Ruiz, Melissa Ruiz, Victoria Almaraz, Alex Portales, Tomás Almaraz, Eliza Portales, and Pedro Cuellar, Jr.; as well as five great-grandchildren: Jacob Magallan, Angelica Scott, Noah Almaraz, Eli Almaraz, and David Rodriguez. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a prayer service at 6:00 PM at the Rudy Garza Chapel of Angels in Harlingen. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, with visitation to begin at 10:30 AM until 1:00 PM at Abundant Life Church in Harlingen. Her celebration of Life will begin at 1:00 PM and the burial will follow at Heavenly Grace Cemetery in La Feria, Texas. Pallbearers will be Pedro Cuellar, Pedrito Cuellar, Jr., Rudy Ruiz, Alex Portales, Freddy Rodriguez, and Robert Ruiz. Maria’s life was a testament to faith, love, and perseverance. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Rudy Garza Funeral Home in Harlingen.

Maria S. Ruiz

June 19, 1929 - November 6, 2025

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