Christopher David Ruiz

Christopher David Govea Ruiz passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by his loving family on April 30, 2025. He was 50 years. Chris was born in Fresno, California to David and Yolanda Ruiz. He attended Pacific Union Elementary School and Washington Union High School. In his early twenties, Chris volunteered for the Fresno County Fire Department and worked for American Ambulance. He had a change in career, and went on to work for the department of Corrections in October 1998. He served at the Pleasant Valley State Prison for 27 years where he retired on February 2, 2025. Chris was the quintessential outdoorsman. He loved hiking, fishing, camping, biking, kayaking, off roading, and anything outdoors. Chris was also a biophillac having an affinity to the natural world and other living things, and he liked to use big scientific words at times. Christopher shared his love of the outdoors with his loving wife, Elizabeth, and his daughter, Deseree, and his grandson, Jayson. They shared epic adventures, hikes, and trips all over western states. Some of Chris's favorite places included the Sequoias, Zion National Park, Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, Rocky Mountain National Park, and the Grand Tetons. He took pride in visiting 21 National Parks. Chris also loved Christian and country music, time spent with family and friends, and good food. He often frequented bravo farms in Tulare, Dog House Grill in Fresno, salsa's Cantina in Clovis, Gozens in Visalia, and In-n-Out. Christopher is preceded in death by his mother, Yolanda Ruiz, maternal grandparents Telesforo and Magdelena Ruiz, paternal grandparents Louis and Molly Govea, and Mercedes Govea. Christopher is survived by the love of his life, Elizabeth Ruiz, his father David Ruiz, his sisters Christina Ortega and Deana Ruiz, his brother Jonathan Ruiz, his daughter Deseree Arroyo, and his grandchildren Jayson, Jakob, and Julia. Our loving son, husband, father, brother, Tito, uncle and friend returned home to heaven. May he rest in peace until we meet again. In Lieu of flowers, please donate to the Glioblastoma Foundation. Viewing will be held 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wednesday, May 21st, 2025 at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel, 127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Funeral services will be held 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 at Legacy Church, 3890 S Lovers Lane, Visalia. Graveside services will be held 10:00 AM Thursday, May 22nd, 2025 at Exeter District Cemetery, 719 E. Marinette Ave., Exeter. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Christopher David Ruiz

February 2, 1975 - April 30, 2025