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Ruiz -- Joe L. Ruiz, age 63, died of a massive heart attack after surgery at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX, June 25, 2003. Beloved, devoted and precious husband, father, son and brother he blessed our lives richly. Joe loved the Lord, and we know without doubt he is in the loving arms of Jesus Christ now. He was born in Santa Fe and moved to Los Alamos in 1945, where he grew up graduating from Los Alamos High School in '59. He was president of his class and an avid basketball, football and baseball player. He spent the rest of his life in Albuquerque. Joe loved to travel, play golf, was a dedicated Lobo fan, and enjoyed life to its fullest. God blessed Joe with a unique gift: a loving, caring, compassionate, kind spirit that touched so many lives with comfort and laughter. Joe worked for Metro Life Insurance Co. for 16 years and for 20 years ran his own successful agency with State Farm in Albuquerque. He was very active in the National Assoc. of Life Underwriters, holding several important positions with that organization. Ten years ago Joe became founding president for a local chapter of Christmas in April. This nonprofit is involved in repairing homes for elderly, disabled, and low income citizens of Albuquerque. He has coordinated over 4,500 volunteers, working on some 190 homes and raised more than $250,000 in donations. He personally knew hundreds of our neighbors served by Christmas in April. Joe also was a valued member of a men's support group for 15 years. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Liberato (Levy) Ruiz and survived by his mother, Pilar Ruiz; spouse, Kay Nations-Ruiz; son, Michael Ruiz; daughter, Shelly Smith; stepchildren, Brad and Kerry Bassore and Brenda Nations; four grandkids; three step-grandkids; and one great-grandson; sister, Phyllis Rodriguez; and brother-in-law, Tony of Santa Fe; brother, Raymond Ruiz; and sister-in-law, Harriet of Albuquerque; brother, Tommy Ruiz; and sister-in-law, Mary Lou of Albuquerque; sister, Rita Peaslee; and brother-in-law, Jim of Albuquerque; sister, Juanita Miguel; and brother-in-law, Charlie of Albuquerque; sister, Dolores Fulcher; and brother-in-law, Jim of Las Vegas, NV; 22 nieces and nephews and numerous grand-nieces and nephews. Joe will be sorely missed. His ready smile, warm heart and helping spirit have left an indelible impression on his family, friends and community. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Christmas in April; c/o Joe Ruiz; 5654 Paradise Blvd. NW Suite B, Albuquerque, NM 87114 or to MB Anderson Cancer Center (attention Patient Desk Relations) 1600 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX, 77030. A public Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 1, 2003 at St. John's Episcopal Cathedral, 318 Silver SW in downtown Albuquerque with a reception there, immediately following the service.
        Published on: Sun June 29, 2003