Katherine Marie Ruiz

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Katherine Ruiz on July 17, 2025, at the age of 78. Kathy was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, grandmother, and great-grandmother. At just 19 years old, Kathy married the love of her life, Frank. After Frank returned from serving in Vietnam, they began their family, and Kathy found her greatest joy in being a mother and homemaker. Together, Kathy and Frank welcomed four children: Stephanie, Jackie, Denise, and Bob. They were later blessed with 12 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. Kathy was known for her spitfire energy and strong personality. She took great pride in everything she did, especially planning holiday feasts for her family. Her gatherings often took weeks to prepare. Her home was always open to anyone who needed a place to go. She was selfless through and through, never wanting to be the center of attention and always putting others first. She cherished time with family and friends and was especially creative. She loved working on DIY crafts, home projects, and sewing outfits and Halloween costumes for the kids. Kathy also had a deep love for the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, camping, hunting, and gardening. When she wasn't outside, you could find her watching soap operas or playing slot machines at a casino. But her greatest joy of all was music and dancing with her number one partner, Frank. Kathy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Ruiz Jr; her mother and stepfather, Hazel and Bob Maier; her father, Earl Wright Sr.; and her brothers, Earl Wright Jr. and Alan Wright. She is survived by her children and their spouses: Stephanie and Jerry Box, Jacqueline Ruiz, Denise and Christopher Gates, Robert Ruiz and Amy Huffman. She is also survived by her grandchildren and their spouses: Johnathan and Townsend Box-Davies, Courtney Box, Allison Box and Ira Boswell, Michael Rodriguez, Christian Rodriguez, Ryan Gates, Savannah Gates, Martin Gates, Thomas Gates, Angelica and Matthew Macias, Robert Ruiz Jr., and Emily Ruiz, Her great-grandchildren include Aria Box, Alessa Shade, Reese Box-Davies, Sutton Box-Boswell, Sedah Rodriguez, Dahlia Rodriguez, Joseph Macias, and Isabella Macias. Kathy is also survived by her brother, Larry Wright. Viewing will be held 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Monday, August 4th, 2025 at Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel, 1588 Lincoln Street, Kingsburg. A Funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM Tuesday, August 5th, 2025 at Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel, 1588 Lincoln Street, Kingsburg immediately followed by interment at the Kingsburg Cemetery, 12782 E. Clarkson Avenue, Kingsburg. Services have been entrusted to Salser & Dillard Creighton Chapel. Memorial Tributes and condolences may be offered by logging onto www.salseranddillard.com.

Katherine Marie Ruiz

July 1, 1947 - July 17, 2025