Joseph O. Ruiz

Joseph O. Ruiz, son of the late John and Theresa (Caillouett) Ruiz, was born May 16, 1926 in Iberville Parish, Louisiana where he grew up and attended school. At the age of 18, Joe entered the United States Navy and served his country faithfully in World War II. He was honorably discharged February 12, 1946. After leaving the Navy, Joe began working for a seismograph crew in the oil industry in Texas and North Dakota and did so for 14 years. In 1949, Joe met the love of his life, Meredith L. Wood and they were united in marriage on October 27, 1951. They were blessed of the Lord with 60 years together. Joe leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Meredith; his three children: Joseph Ruiz, Jr. (Carla) of Richmond, VA, Jana Cleveland (Lawrence) of Stoutland, MO; and Judi Leander (Dale) of Tulsa, OK; Eight grandchildren: Nathan Ruiz (Lynette), Joseph, Margaret and Meredith Cleveland; Wesley, Amy, Daniel and Bradley Leander; his sister-in-law: Ann Ruiz of Plaquemine, LA; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In 1962, Joe went into the Fire Extinguisher business and the family moved to Plainview, Texas. Joe spent the next 43 years there and was active in the community and church. In 1975 he started a Men’s Prayer Breakfast. In the fall of 2009 he started a Men’s prayer breakfast in Richland. He also served for eight years as the president of the Full Gospel Men’s Fellowship in Plainview. He served as Scout Master for 16 years and one last year as an advisor for the Boy Scouts. Eight young men earned the Eagle Scout award during Joe’s sixteen year tenure. He also worked in Drug Prevention efforts with the Hale County Sheriff’s Department. In 2005, Joe and Meredith moved to the Richland area to be nearer to their children and grandchildren. Joe believed in the Great Commission and could be found passing out cards and telling his story of faith. It was always his regret that he never invited Jesus into his heart until he was 44 years old. He was baptized into Christ at that time and continued to have an excited commitment to serve the Lord in gratitude. His desire today would be to see others make the commitment he failed to make before he was 44. Joe was carried home by the angels on Tuesday evening, January 17, 2012 at his home. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered but he is at home with his Savior and waiting anxiously for everyone who has invited Jesus into their heart to join him. In addition to his parents, Joe was preceded in death by one granddaughter: Meredith Anne Cleveland and three siblings: John and Raymond Ruiz and Theresa Morales. Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, January 21, 2012 in the First Baptist Church of Richland with Pastor Bob Lilly officiating. Pianist Marleen Brown played as congregational hymns were led by Mike Freeman that included “Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know”, “Something About that Name”, “I Will Sing of My Redeemer” and “Softly and Tenderly”. Several friends shared their fond memories of Joe. Serving as escorts were Nathan Ruiz, Wesley Leander, Bradley Leander, Joseph Cleveland, Daniel Leander and Eric Moore. Burial followed with Military Honors provided by the Missouri Honors Team. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapel of Richland.

Joseph O. Ruiz

May 16, 1926 - January 17, 2012