Charles Alfonso Ruiz

Charles Alfonso Ruiz was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico on Nov 14, 1933. Charlie was the fourth of six children born to Alfonso Ruiz and Sophie Wheeler-Ruiz, unfortunately Charlie did not know his two older brothers and sister who died of scarlet fever prior to his birth. Charlie was a natural athlete and musician playing Football and baseball for Saint Michaels High School loving piano and harmonica. After graduating high school Charlie joined the Navy during the height of the Korean War. After completing his tour of duty Charlie returned to Santa Fe and attended Saint Michael’s college. Charlie met Mary Cruz and was married in 1956 and eventually began his career with the Public Service Company of New Mexico as a general foreman and retired after 22 years of service. Charlie and Mary adopted their only child Anthony Ruiz in 1968. Charlie was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing and hunting, he also had a passion for bowling where he proudly displayed over 100 trophies and toured shortly on a semi-pro team.

In 1990 Charles and Mary separated and eventually divorced, but remained friends. Charlie’s son Anthony returned home from the Marine Corps having served a year in Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in an infantry unit that led the attack. Charlie suffered a stroke in 1992 leaving him paralyzed on his left side, his son and daughter in-law, Melissa, cared for Charlie until he was comfortable and able to live independently. In 1997 Charlie began attending Calvary Chapel with his son and daughter in-law where he gave his life to the Lord and was baptized next to his son and daughter in-law simultaneously. In 1999, on his birthday, Charlie moved to Austin, Texas to be close to his son and daughter in-law’s growing family of four daughters: Vanessa, Alexis, Victoria and Autumn whom he cherished with all his heart and stated it was the best birthday he could have ever asked for. Charlie began serving at Calvary Chapel of Austin as a prayer warrior and became involved with “Pan Vida” meaning Bread of Life as a missionary to Mexico traveling regularly and helping in any way he could. Charlie warmed the hearts of those he was around with his humor, smile, and contagious laugh.

Charlie survived prostate cancer and then lip cancer and always remained optimistic! In Charlie’s last nine months of his life, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s/Dementia, his son and Daughter In-Law found the nursing facility was not offering the care Charlie deserved and cared for him at home. “Although it was quite challenging at times, adjusting and learning more about this horrible disease I would do it a thousand times over just to spend another moment with Dad as we added many more wonderful memories that outweighed the trials, but moreover because we deeply loved this man,” said son Anthony of his dad.

On Tuesday August 17, 2021 Charlie took his last breath on earth and his first breath in the presence of our Wonderful, Merciful Savior Jesus Christ! At his side holding his hand was his daughter in-law Melissa whom he called his angel, his ex-wife Mary and his son Anthony who held him in his arms as he passed, kissed him on the forehead and said “I’ll see you soon dad, thanks for being the best dad I could have ever imagined.”

Charlie leaves behind His only child Anthony Ruiz and daughter-in-law Melissa Ruiz of Salado Texas. His four granddaughters along with their two husbands and children respectively. Michael and Vanessa White, their two boys Ethan and Samuel. Carter and Alexis Dobbins and their daughter Serenity Grace. Victoria Faith Ruiz and Autumn Hope Ruiz. Charlie also leaves behind his two younger siblings: Robert D. Ruiz and his wife Wendy and nieces and nephews Mathieu, Robert Jr, Renee and Reyanne. Florence D. Coriz “sister”-and nephews Marc, Jerry, Ferbie Jr, David, and niece Rosalie.