Obituary of George Jesse Ruiz

Our beloved George J. Ruiz, age 90, was called to our Heavenly Father on Sunday, December 27, 2020.  George, or GJ as his close friends and family called him, was born in Buda, Texas to Jesus Ruiz and Juanita Rios on February 22, 1930.  He attended Palm School, graduated from the original Austin High School and was the first in his family to earn a diploma.  It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Mary Herrera, but their engagement was interrupted while he served in the Army from 1951-1953, as an Airplane Mechanic at Fort Sill, Oklahoma.  He was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal.  Upon his return, they were married on June 27, 1953 at St Mary’s Cathedral in Austin.  He attended the University of Texas at Austin where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree and then completed his Medical Technology Internship at Brackenridge Hospital.  Again, he was the first in his family to attain this level of education, thus fulfilling his Father’s dreams for him.  Before he finished his degree, he was approached by Internist Dr Lang Holland with an offer to run the laboratory in his medical office.  This was the beginning of a 30 plus year career that was his dream job, giving him much pleasure and pride.  He enjoyed telling stories about patients he met over those years and talking “shop” with his own physicians.

Shortly after starting his career, he and Mary started building their family and welcomed their three children.  They were deeply involved parents, participating in all the children’s activities. If any one of them had a game or was performing, at least one parent was waving enthusiastically from the audience. 

Other than career and children, George had many other interests.  He taught himself to play guitar and bass guitar. He played, sometimes, 3 nights a week in country bands that gigged in places like the Broken Spoke, the Skyline Club, and Dessau Hall, backing big name artists like Bob Wills as they toured through Austin.  He was recognized by the Austin Latino Music Community for his contributions to country music in Austin.  George and Mary hosted many jam sessions and their home was always filled with music of all genres.

George felt very strongly that it was important to give back to the community, so, he joined the Austin Sertoma Club in 1967 where he served for more than 40 years.  During that time, he served in all of the local chapter offices, multiple times, and participated in every fundraiser from selling corn on the cob at Aqua Fest to serving up pancakes at the Austin School for the Deaf Pancake Breakfasts.  He used his bilingual skills to help distribute coats to families at the annual Coats for Kids drive.  He was the recipient of many awards for countless hours contributed toward the mission of hearing health.

While the children were growing up, they spent most weekends on Lake Travis where they enjoyed camping, boating, and water skiing.   As an active member of the Capitol Rod and Gun Club, he participated in fishing tournaments all over Texas.  So they would not have to leave that gorgeous view, he and Mary eventually built a home on Lake Travis, which was their pride and joy.  As with their previous homes, the lake house was entertainment central for adults and youth alike, because George and Mary enjoyed hosting gatherings of all types.  He loved to BBQ and have as many friends around him as possible.  A Ruiz party was not one to be missed.

George and Mary spent many years traveling the world via ocean, river and land tours, spanning up to 4 weeks at a time.  Children and grandchildren looked forward each Christmas to gifts that came from many a far-off land.  They had countless stories to tell regarding the people and places they encountered.

For all his accomplishments, his most important legacy is that all who knew him admired his kind nature, even temperament, and no-nonsense wisdom.  He will be so profoundly missed.

In heaven, he joins his wife of 63 years, Mary H. Ruiz.  George was also preceded in death by his son, Senior Deputy Keith G. Ruiz; sister, Mela Matthews; brother, Lee Ben Ruiz, and his son-in-law, Marshall Littleton.

George is survived by his children, Shirley Cumby and her husband, Jerry, and by his son, Kenneth Ruiz and his wife, Cathy; grandchildren, Danielle Gibbs, Deidra Flugrath and her husband, Dustin, Christopher Ruiz, Benjamin Ruiz, Matthew Ruiz, Alexander Ruiz, and Joshua Ruiz; great grandchildren, Jackson Gibbs and Alinea Flugrath; his brother, Richard Ruiz and his wife, Hope; his daughter-in-law, Bernadette Ruiz, and many nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. with Recitation of Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, January 4, 2021 at Mission Funeral Home - South Side, 6204 S. First St., Austin, Texas.

Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at San Jose Catholic Church, 2435 Oak Crest St., Austin, Texas.  Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery, 3650 S. IH 35 Frontage Rd., Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers a donation in memory of George J. Ruiz can be provided to the Keith Ruiz Endowed Scholarship held at Texas State University.

Check should be made payable to Texas State University and sent to:

Texas State University

Attn:  Advancement Services, JCK-480

601 University Drive

San Marcos, Texas 78666

Rosary will be live-streamed to allow those unable to attend to participate.  Follow link to Facebook Live Mission - South Side

Mass will be live-streamed to allow those unable to attend to participate.  Follow link to Facebook Live San Jose Catholic Church or YouTube San Jose Catholic Church.

Due to the Coronavirus /  COVID-19 Restrictions from the City of Austin,

capacity levels are restricted at funeral homes, churches, and cemeteries.

Each person entering the funeral home, church, and cemetery will be required to wear a mask

and to practice social distancing of 6 feet or more.   If you are ill or are concerned about the virus,

it is recommended that you not attend services. 

The family is so grateful to everyone for their understanding, love, and support

during this very difficult time.