Manuel Ruiz

Manuel C. Ruiz, 82, of Taylor, passed away Saturday, October 24, 2020 at his home.  He was born November 15, 1937 and is proceeded in death by his parents, Mauricio and Juanita Ruiz.

He grew up in Taylor and as a migrant worker spent seasons in Wisconsin, where he met Mary Alice Ruiz (DeLaRosa).  After a courtship, the two married in 1960, and four children were born to this union.  The pair were inseparable for over 60 years.

Manuel was a hard worker.  He was a printer by trade and worked for Merchants Press for over 10 years.  After leaving the printing company, he worked for several other companies before retiring from Wilsonart in 1994 after 20 years of service.  Even in his retirement, he continued to work various jobs to stay active.

He loved playing pool and was known throughout central Texas as an amazing pool player.   He loved playing slots and black-jack and was always ready to go to Louisiana or Oklahoma.  One of his favorite things to do was to drive around to various gas stations to buy scratch off lottery tickets; he was always hoping to win the millions.  He enjoyed relaxing in his recliner and watching the Cowboys and Longhorns play football and watching various game shows with his wife.  His all-time favorite was Wheel of Fortune and he was great at solving the puzzles.  One of his favorite sayings was “Now you’re cooking with gas!”

Manuel was a loving Husband, Father, and Grandpa/Papo.  His greatest accomplishments were his children and grandchildren; and he was so proud of them all.  He loved spending time with his family and enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s choir and sporting events; you could always find him in the stands beaming with pride.  He will be greatly missed by all and will continue to cheer for everyone from above.

Manuel was preceded in death by his parents, son David Ruiz, brothers, Gregorio Ruiz, Angel Moreno, Jesse Moreno, sisters Guadalupe Martinez, Leonor Galvan, and Antonia Quintanilla.

Manuel is survived by his loving wife, Mary Alice Ruiz, and children Daniel Ruiz, of Georgetown, TX, Debra Ortiz (Marco) of Taylor, TX, Manny Ruiz (Carrie) of Round Rock, TX and daughter-in-law Celsa Ruiz of Coupland, TX.  His grandchildren Tiffany Ruiz, Alec Ruiz, Brianda Ruiz, Aaron Ruiz, Krista Ortiz, Kasandra Ortiz, Adrian David Ruiz, Allyson Ruiz and Tyson Ruiz, and one great-grandson, Cameron Ruiz.  He is also survived by his brother Raymond Ruiz (Stella) and sister, Carol Ornelas, several nieces and nephews, numerous loving cousins and his extended in-law family.

Viewing is scheduled for Friday, October 30 from 6-7pm, with Rosary from 7-8pm.  Funeral services will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Saturday, October 31 at 10 am.  Private burial will be held at St. Mary’s Cemetery.