Esther Ruiz Garza

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Esther Ruiz Garza, a beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, wife, and matriarch of our family. She joined her beloved husband in the arms of our Lord and Savior on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, in eternal rest.

Esther was born on August 6, 1933, in Karnes County, Texas to Consuelo and Juan Francisco Ruiz. Her unwavering devotion to her Christian beliefs was not only a personal journey, but it radiated throughout her life and shared with her family and all fortunate enough to know her. Her dedication was evident through the years by her participation in various church activities and ministries from teaching Sunday school to leading Bible studies and of course she was the one to call if you needed prayer. Her unwavering dedication to God and her family was marked by humility and a genuine desire to bring others closer to God. Esther's faith was not merely words, but a living testimony. She embraced challenges with strength, faced adversity with courage, and approached life's joys with gratitude. She was a true force of nature.

As the matriarch of our family, she bound generations together. Her wise counsel was sought after by family members and friends alike. She listened without judgment and offered guidance with grace. Through her, we learned the importance of the power of unconditional love. She was an example of sheer strength and courage to push forward even when life brought her extreme difficulties and great heartaches. In the darkest of times, she taught us that faith in the Lord was our true salvation.

Esther was a woman of extraordinary strength and determination, and her legacy of resilience will forever be etched in the stories we share and the lessons we pass down to our children.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jesus Maria Garza; and ten siblings. Esther is survived by her children, Lonny Freeman-Bernardon (Tom) and Fernando Garza (Marisela); grandchildren, James Andrew Freeman (Krystal), Dustin Cole Freeman (Azenette), Christopher Garza (Chelsea), Bryan Garza (Katie) and Jasmine Garza ; great-grandchildren, Bryson, Autumn, Beaux Barrett, and James Thomas “JT”; sister, Ramona Tagle (Tony); nieces, Veronica Tagle, Jimie Lynn Moore, Tanya Torres and Gracie and numerous other nieces and nephews and extended family. Her legacy continues through the light of her life and her influence will forever shape the lives of her family, serving as a courageous guiding light for generations to come.

We share with you her favorite Bible verse.

"Salmo de David. Jehova es mi luz y mi salvacion, de quien temere? Jehova es la fortaleza de mi vida, de quien he de atemorizarme? Psalms 27:1

In lieu of flowers the family requests any donations in her honor be made to the church that her families Ruiz and Garza originated decades ago. Thank you.

Jerusalem Baptist Church210 W GuadalupeRunge, Texas 78151