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Raymond M. Ruiz, age 65, left his earthly journey to join Jesus in his heavenly eternal journey on May 9, 2004 after a courageous battle against cancer, which he endured and fought with great dignity. He passed away at home surrounded by his family. After being diagnosed with Mesothelioma Sarcoma, Ray and Harriet searched for effective treatment, and found none, yet never gave up hope. His faith in God, courage, and strength never wavered throughout his treatment. His best friend and soul mate, Harriet was always at his side encouraging, praying, and loving him as he faced this devastating illness. God blessed Ray with a gentle personality, kind heart, sweet spirit, understanding and helpful hand, warm nature, thoughtful and loving soul with concern and compassion for others in meeting the needs of family and friends. Ray was a devoted, extraordinary, wonderful and caring husband, father, grandpa, great-grandpa, brother, uncle, co-worker, public servant and friend. Ray was born in Santa Fe and moved to Los Alamos in 1945 and graduated from Los Alamos High School in 1958. He married his high school sweetheart, Harriet in October 1958. They resided in Los Alamos, Santa Fe, and finally settled in Albuquerque in 1972. He was an Ironworker and Welder at Los Alamos National Laboratory in the 1960's, became an Ironworker Apprenticeship Coordinator in 1971 and a Business Manager for Ironworkers in 1987 and then retired in 1999. Ray always had a keen interest and love for politics and was appointed to serve as the Democratic State Representative for District 16 in Albuquerque and then elected in 2000. He served in that capacity from 1999 until his death. Ray sponsored a bill to recognize New Mexicans who were at a health risk working in jobs associated with the Atomic Age. His cause may have been personal but, as a Legislator, he was bound and determined to bring the sacrifices New Mexicans made for the defense of the United States to the forefront. His was the picture of senseless loss and the family's determination to make sure that such losses for his type of cancer never recurs. His family will continue to fight for this cause on his behalf. Ray loved sports; golf, football and basketball. He was an avid Lobo and San Francisco 49ers fan. He enjoyed traveling and played golf with his wife, sons, brothers and friends. His sons hit one last golf ball from the deck of his home into the Rio Grande River in memory of their dad the night he passed away. Ray will be deeply missed. His tender smile, warm heart and helping spirit have left an indelible impression on his family, friends and community. Ray leaves his loved ones with unspeakable anguish.. Ray was preceded in death by his father, Liberato (Levy) Ruiz; mother, Pilar Ruiz, and brother, Joe Ruiz. Ray is survived by his loving and caring wife, Harriet of 45 years, his wonderful children: daughter, Shawn Schuette; daughter, Shari and husband, Mark Fogell; son, Scott and wife Juanita; son, Sidney and wife Pam; His precious grandchildren, Gio, Ivan, Corissa, Kaela, Desiree, Natina, Angelica, Tristan, Ryan, Bryanna, Cameron, Amaraya, and Christien; His endearing great grandchildren, Gabriella, Analisa, Carlos, and Ray; His dear siblings: sister, Phyllis Rodriguez and husband, Tony; brother, Tom Ruiz and wife, Mary Lou; sister, Rita Peaslee and husband, Jim; sister, Juanita Miguel and husband, Charlie; sister, Dolores Fulcher and husband, Jim; His sister-in-law, Kay Ruiz wife of his brother Joe; brother-in-law, Harvey and wife Linda; brother-in-law, George and wife Judith; His uncle, Tinsey Pino; 22 nieces and nephews and numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; Attn. Memorial Dept., 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN. 38105; The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, P.O. Box 935, Dana Point, CA. 92629 or The University of NM. Cancer Research and Treatment Center, 900 Camino De Salud NE, Albuquerque, NM. Memorial services will be held at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 5415 Fortuna Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM. A rosary will be recited on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. A public memorial service will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation has taken place with Private Interment at a later date. Arrangements made by Direct Funeral Service, 2919 4th St. NW, Albuquerque, NM. 505-343-8008
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