Emilio Ruiz

Emilio Ruiz of Flatonia went to be with the Lord on December 12, 2020. He was born in Mexico to Juanita Rodriguez Alvarado and Pedro Ruiz Armendariz. He moved to Houston in 1970 and later married Mary Helen Tenorio Ruiz on January 26, 1977. They had one son and one daughter.

At the tender age of 7 years old, Emilio worked a paper route and shined shoes for coins.  He dreamed that one day he would leave his home and family (parents) to make a better life.  Although it was difficult for him, he asked his parents to drop him off in San Antonio at the young age of 15 years old.  Shortly after, he traveled to Houston, Texas where he remained.

Emilio started working at a printing company at the age of 16 as a sweeper.  He was determined to learn all he could and grow within the company. Emilio accomplished that with discipline and long hours of hard work. Once he reached his goal he decided it was time to leave and start his own company, taking with him the skills and experience that he gained first hand.

In 1991, he ventured off and started his own printing company in the First Ward, which was successful for 22+ years. After losing his mother at the young age of 51 years old, he took on the financial responsibility of supporting his younger siblings, as he was the eldest son.  He helped whomever he could even if they weren’t family.

Recently, in January 2020 he began another business venture along with his son and a couple of nephews.  Even when the illness attacked, he still remained optimistic and didn’t give in. He stated, “When I get out of this trial, I will continue to accomplish my goals.” He was a strong man who didn’t give in to adversity, he always had another dream lined up to be fulfilled. He strived for continual growth in all areas of his life and was an example to many of us that when you are focused and work hard, it pays off.  He will be remembered as a God fearing, family oriented and generous man, loyal friend with a sharp mind, great sense of humor and the best smile that lit up a room. Emilio Ruiz finished his race victoriously.

Emilio is survived by one son Emilio Ray Ruiz of Houston, one daughter Rita Ruiz of Houston, one brother Pedro Ruiz (Rossana) Garza of Laredo, seven sisters Reyna Padilla (Jose) of Guadalajara Mexico, Yadira Garcia (Santiago) of Fort Worth, Maria Ruiz Ruvalcaba (Roberto), Petra Ruiz Rodriguez, Maria Luisa Ruiz Rodriguez all of Nuevo Laredo Mexico, Felipa Garcia (Ramon) of Converse, Ma. Elena Ruiz de Hernandez of Jesus Maria del Salto San Luis, future granddaughter in law Natalie Salinas and two grandsons Nicolas and Isiah Ruiz.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister Emilia Ruiz de Ovalle and one son Matthew Ryan Ruiz.

Visitation is scheduled for Friday, December 18, 2020 from 5-9PM with the funeral scheduled for Saturday, December 19, 2020 at 2PM both at Fayette Memorial Funeral Home in La Grange, Texas. Interment to follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Flatonia, Texas.