Jose Antonio Ruiz

Jose Ramirez Ruiz, 89, of Woodlake, CA passed away at his home on May 12, 2016. Jose was born in Minkler, CA to Refugia and Jose Ruiz on January 17, 1927. He was raised in Visalia, CA until the age of three when his loving mother passed away during childbirth. His father moved the family to Zacatecas, Mexico where Jose lived until his teens. In the early 1940’s he moved to Woodlake, CA, where he lived with his sister and brother-in-law, Domitilo and Maura Lupercio. In 1954, he met his bride-to-be, Ramona Alvarez, from Parlier, CA, at a wedding they were both standing in. He loved saying that it was love at first sight. On June 5, 1955 they were married in Parlier, CA. They made their home in Woodlake, CA. Ramona passed away on April 12, 1991. Jose worked as a farm laborer in Woodlake and surrounding areas. He was a very hard worker, and a great family man. He prefered to spend his time outdoors. When he was not working in the fields, he was working on his yard or garden. He also enjoyed spending time with his daughters, traveling, and watching his favorite novelas on tv. He was a very good father, and even better Tata. His grandchildren, Austina, Joey, and Andres loved him very much. Jose was preceded in death by his parents, Refugia and Jose Ruiz, his loving wife Ramona and all of his siblings. He is survived by his four daughters, Rosemary Ruiz, Ruth Ruiz, Roberta Ruiz, and Elizabeth Johnson (Bill Johnson - son-in-law), and his grandchildren, Austina LeSaicherre, Joey Ruiz, and Andres Ruiz-Gomez. Services will be held on May 19, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Visalia, CA (608 N. Church St.). Rosary will be at 9:30 a.m. and Mass will begin at 10:00 a.m. A viewing will conclude at Salser & Dillard Funeral Chapel (127 E. Caldwell Ave., Visalia, CA 93277) after the Mass from 11:30-2:00 p.m. On May 20, 2016, burial will be at the Woodlake Public Cemetery (North Cypress St., Woodlake, CA). A reception will be held following the burial to celebrate his life at the Woodlake Veterans Memorial Building (355 N Acacia St, Woodlake, CA 93286). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Woodlake Community Garden (Family Healthcare Network). You may contact Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel for information. A memorial tribute may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com

Jose Antonio Ruiz

January 17, 1927 - May 12, 2016