Francisco Ruiz Cortez

Francisco Ruiz Cortez was born at home in Aguanuato, Michoacán to Gregorio Ruiz Vidalez and Mariana Cortez Mendez. He had seven older brothers and sisters; Apolinar, Maria Elena, Dionicio, Teresa, Roberto, Ruben and Rosa. Along with two younger siblings; Reyna and Esteban.

As a child Francisco loved to play soccer and to bull ride. He had many friends growing up some of which were Fernando Castro, Silvio Vargas, Juan Martinez and Celso Alvarez. Later in life he became friends with Antonio A., Pedro B., Ramiro M., Jose O., Ismael M., Armando C. and Pedro V.. He then met the love of his life Maria Adelaida Vargas and they married on April 2, 1974 in Parroquia de San Andres Apostol Church in the city of Panindicuaro, Michoacán. Francisco and Maria were blessed with three children; Alejandro, Jaime and Yolanda. They were later blessed with twelve grandchildren; Rosa, Alejandro Jr., Diana, Juaquina, Olivia, RosAngelica, Jordan, Ayanna, Alexa, Junior, Rosario and Saul.

Francisco worked as a farm laborer for many years and later went to work for the Merced District Cemetery where he retired from in 2007. One of his favorite things to do was to work on cars in his spare time. His favorite sport throughout his life was soccer. He also enjoyed going to church and was a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Merced, California for Forty years. His favorite pets were his two dogs; Tigere and Oso.

Francisco fought a brave battle against kidney failure and passed away at home in Merced, California he is survived by his wife, their children, their grandchildren and great grandchildren. There will be a catholic mass held in his honor at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church with interment at Calvary Cemetery in Merced, California.

Francisco was loved by many and will truly be missed but never forgotten. He will go on to live in the hearts of all those he knew.