Liza Hubertina Ruiz

Liza H. Ruiz passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 7, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Liza was predeceased by her husband of 69 years, SFC Carlos Ruiz, U.S. Army (Ret.), and their eldest daughter Cynthia Ruiz. All resided in Falls Church, Virginia, for the last 45 years. An interment date will be announced in the future for burial at Arlington National Cemetery. A viewing will be held privately for the family.

Liza is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Murray and husband Dan, of Bonita Springs, FL, along with her grandsons Charles Derrick Clark of Fayetteville, Georgia, Paul Allen Clark of Blackwater, Virginia, 7 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren.

Liza was born in the former Dutch colony of Suriname, South America on October 17, 1920 to the late Victor Gerard of Maastrict, Holland and Carolin also of Suriname.

After serving in the Dutch army, Liza met her husband Carlos in Suriname while he was on R&R during WW2 at a USO party in 1945. They married a year later in 1946 and moved to Arlington, VA in 1953.

Liza worked for many years for the Army at Ft. Myer, VA and later for the Navy. She loved the outdoors and travel, often spending weekends at the family vacation home in Shannondale, WV. Liza also enjoyed gardening, sewing, and cooking. She took frequent family cruises to many places in the world including Europe, Asia, Hawaii, Alaska, the Caribbean. She also often visited family in the Netherlands and Suriname.

Liza’s great passion and energy for volunteering and helping those less fortunate was remarkable. She volunteered for almost 50 years at the Northern Virginia Training Center in Fairfax, VA, a residence for the mentally disabled. Liza spent a lifetime giving generously to others, including dozens of charities. She is remembered as having a compassionate and moral character and attended church regularly.

The family wishes to thank many friends, neighbors, and family for their loving support over the many years. In lieu of flowers, donations can be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Memphis, TN.