Jose M Ruiz Alvarez's Obituary
“A brave warrior that never gave up.” Jose M Ruiz Alvarez, 72, of Tijuana Baja California, Mexico, he took his last breath in Puyallup, WA on February 05, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.
Joe was born in Tijuana B.C., Mex in 1951 to Jose M Ruiz and Marcelina Alvarez. He always talked about his siblings, and their crazy fun experiences. He often shared memories of his green Volkswagen Beatle, his college days, and his family life in Mexico. Joe enjoyed listening to classic rock and oldies.
Joe met the love of his life Lucia Ruiz in 1980, while at her company event in Mexico. He always talked about how beautiful she looked the first time he saw her; it was love at first sight. Joe would frequently visit Lucy at work and ask her to marry him, she always responded with “you’re crazy”. The second time he asked her she jokingly said “Yes, I will marry you, on February 30th.” Later that evening, when Joe arrived in Santa Ana, Ca, he realized that February only has 28 days. He immediately called her and asked her if it was a mistake. She told him “I can’t marry you; we barely even know each other.” Ever hear of the phrase third time's the charm? Well, on his third attempt, he asked her one last time, and she finally agreed. They were married on her birthday, December 13, 1980, Joe was 29 years old, and Lucy was 27 years old. Joe and Lucy remained married for 43 years and formed a loving beautiful, blended family.
His surviving children are Jose Cortez, Edgar Cortez, Brenda Ruiz, and Daniel Ruiz. Each had a unique experience with their father and will hold him close to their hearts. Although Joe loved watching action movies, enjoying a cup of fresh coffee with bread in the early mornings, and gardening on his better days, his favorite role was that of a grandparent. He treasured his time with his grandkids and loved being their “Lilo”. Joe never failed to make them laugh, he was always ready and available to play games with them, they spent a lot of time watching movies and enjoying some delicious treats, specifically Hershey’s kisses. During his better days he would wait down the hill for his grandkids to arrive from school, as he grew ill, he would wait for them to arrive patiently on the couch. Joe and Lucy have a total of 8 grandchildren, 3 adults, 1 teenager, and 3 school aged. They will all hold their Lilo close to their heart and will treasure their memories of him leading to his last breath.
Joe had a soft spot for his fishy friends, always making sure their water was clean and that they were fed. Whenever one would die, he would quickly head to the pet store and replace it. You would always hear the gentle water flowing in the fish tank in the living room. Everyone who knew Joe, knew how much he enjoyed watching his action movies and having a barbeque on the weekends. You would always find him at home watching James Bond or thrill seekers when he wasn’t behind the grill cooking.
Joe will always be remembered as a strong warrior. He was the type of man who was always ready and available to help when you call him. We’ll always imagine hearing him say “I’m on my way” one more time. We couldn’t have asked for a better husband and father, and we will miss him every day. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who got to experience him during this lifetime.
Donations can be sent to https://gofund.me/9de4cfe4, all proceeds will be sent to his surviving wife.
What’s your fondest memory of Jose?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jose?
Share a story where Jose's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jose you’ll never forget.
How did Jose make you smile?