Ruthie Ruiz

In Loving Memory ♥ Ruth “Ruthie” Ruiz (Velazquez), 42, of Plainfield, formerly of Joliet, passed away on Friday, August 14, 2026, while on a family trip to Wisconsin Dells, a place that held many happy memories for Ruthie and her family. Born on February 11, 1984, in Chicago, Illinois, Ruthie was a beloved wife, devoted mother, and the cherished only daughter of Aida Rolon. Ruthie was silly, fun, warm, and deeply devoted to the people she loved. She had a smile that could light up a room and a laugh that was impossible not to join. Her confidence was something to admire; Ruthie knew who she was, lived life on her own terms, and always danced to the beat of her own drum. She was beautiful, not only in the way she looked, but in the kindness, warmth, and love she carried within her. Family was at the heart of everything Ruthie did, and she loved hers fiercely. Whether she was spending time with her husband and daughters, gathering everyone together for a game night, or simply finding another reason for the people she loved to be in the same room, Ruthie had a gift for creating moments filled with laughter, fun, and love. Ruthie shared an especially beautiful and inseparable bond with her mother, Aida. As her only daughter, Ruthie was the center of her mother’s world, and her mother held an equally special place in Ruthie’s heart. Their love for one another was something they expressed often with the words that became uniquely theirs: “I love you to the moon and come back.” It was more than a saying between mother and daughter; it was a reflection of a love without limits, a love that will remain forever. Ruthie also found joy in the little things that made her uniquely her. She loved Starbucks and music, coloring, paint-by-number projects, and diamond painting kits. She could fly through an audiobook at a speed that most people could hardly keep up with and somehow finish book after book. When Ruthie set her mind to something, she committed to it wholeheartedly. When walking and running became one of those things, you could count on finding her out on the Rock Run trail. Among Ruthie’s greatest joys in life was being a mother to her 12-year-old twin daughters, Grace and Emily. Her girls were her pride, her joy, and her world. Raising them and watching them grow was one of the accomplishments of which she was most proud. She loved being their mother with everything she had. Beside Ruthie throughout much of her life was her husband and soulmate, Frank Ruiz. Ruthie and Frank shared 23 years together, but their love story began in the most unexpected way: over walkie-talkies. By chance, the two found themselves on the same channel and began talking. Those conversations slowly became a friendship, and that friendship grew into a love that would define both of their lives. Frank was more than Ruthie’s husband. He was her best friend, her partner, and her soulmate in the truest sense of the word. After more than two decades together, theirs remained a love rooted in friendship, devotion, laughter, and a genuine love for one another. Ruthie was still very much in love with the man who had once been a stranger’s voice coming through a walkie-talkie. Together, Ruthie and Frank built the life Ruthie treasured most—a life centered around Grace and Emily, family, laughter, traditions, and time spent together. Some of their happiest family memories were made during trips to Wisconsin Dells, one of Ruthie’s favorite places to vacation with her husband and girls. Ruthie will be remembered for her radiant smile, her contagious laughter, her confidence, her fun-loving spirit, and above all, the fierce way she loved. She leaves behind countless memories of laughter, celebrations, game nights, music, family trips, and ordinary moments made special simply because Ruthie was there. Ruthie is survived by her loving husband and best friend, Frank Ruiz; her beloved twin daughters, Grace and Emily Ruiz; and her devoted mother, Aida Rolon. She is also survived by many cousins and extended family members, friends, and loved ones whose lives were touched by her. A Note from Ruthie’s Family Ruthie’s family would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has surrounded us with love during this unimaginable time. Thank you for every prayer, phone call, message, visit, meal, embrace, and act of kindness. Your stories and memories of Ruthie, and the tremendous outpouring of love for her, have reminded us just how many lives she touched. We are especially grateful for the love and support being shown to Frank, Grace, Emily, and Ruthie’s mother, Aida. There are no words that can ease the enormity of their loss, but knowing they are surrounded by people who loved Ruthie and continue to love the family she treasured means more than we can express. Ruthie loved fiercely, laughed freely, and cherished her family above all else. We ask that you honor her memory by remembering the joy she brought into your life, sharing the stories that make you laugh, holding your loved ones a little closer, and never missing an opportunity to tell your people how much you love them. Our family is deeply grateful to everyone who loved Ruthie and who will help us keep her memory alive. A visitation for Ruthie will be held on Thursday, August 20, 2026, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM and also on Friday August 21, 2026 from 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM at Delgado Funeral Chapel, 400 Landau Ave. Joliet, Illinois 60432. Ruthie will be laid to rest at Plainfield Township cemetery, Friday August 21, 2026, 11:00 AM.

Ruthie Ruiz

February 11, 1984 - August 14, 2026