Esther Ruiz Ancira

Esther Ruiz Ancira passed away peacefully on the 4th of October 2011 in Austin, Texas. She celebrated her 92nd birthday on the 12th of September. She was born in Creedmoor, Texas in 1919 to Carlos and Gonzala Ruiz. Esther was the third of eight children born into the family. Being the eldest daughter, she helped her mother raise the younger siblings and learned the art of cooking; these skills would eventually help her to become a well-loved matriarch for her extended family.

Esther was married on the 19th of January 1940 to the love of her life, Jose Alvino Ancira. They were married at Esther’s childhood church, Emmanuel United Methodist Church in Austin. Together they traveled the world while he was in the Army. They lived in Kansas, Oklahoma and Arizona, but they also lived overseas in Germany and Japan. While overseas, Esther and Jose were active members of the Eastern Star and the Masonic Lodge, respectively. The couple raised their four children with love, faith and they instilled strong roots in family togetherness.

Upon returning to Austin, Esther worked at Child Inc. until her retirement. She enjoyed spending time with the children; she not only taught them, but she learned from them.

She remained active in her church, joining the choir and Mujeres’ Methodista. Esther attended many church retreats which included The Walk to Emmaus. She enjoyed participating in prayer chains and visiting the sick. She loved her Lord and was fast to recite a Biblical verse when her friends needed some advice and guidance. Esther loved to talk to her friends and family; she always provided her loved ones with food and a warm greeting.

She taught her mother’s tamale recipe to the younger generations. This in turn started the family’s annual tamalada tradition which has been active for over 35 years. She was their “Platinum Star.” She will be greatly missed, but the love she had for her family will last forever.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Jose A. Ancira; grandson, Mark Christopher Madonna; sister, Rebecca Salas; brothers, Joel Ruiz, Elias Ruiz, and Ezequiel Ruiz and his wife, Beverly.

Left to treasure and cherish Esther’s legacy and memories are her children, Ruth Ancira Madonna and spouse Ray, Benjamin Ancira and spouse Socorro, Robert C. Ancira and spouse Nicole, and Rebecca Ancira Thompson spouse Brad. Also surviving their loving Nana are grandchildren, Cynthia Madonna Fletcher and spouse Dennis, Deanna Ancira Binder and spouse Chad, Abram Ancira, Emma Thompson Ancira, Hunter Gregory Thompson; great-grandchildren, Zachary Austin Fletcher, Levi Thomas Fletcher, Carmen Estella Binder, and Cole Apollo Binder; sisters and brothers, Daniel Ruiz and spouse Toni, David Ruiz and spouse Alma, Eva Ruiz Hutchens; sister-in-law, Cordelia Ruiz; brother-in-law, César Augusto Salas; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and loving friends.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Horizon Bay Assisted Living Staff for their loving care, and to Hospice Austin and Senior Sitters for their care and support.

A visitation will be on Sunday, the 9th of October 2011 from five o’clock until seven o’clock in the evening, at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Boulevard. The Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, the 10th of October 2011 at ten o’clock in the morning at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, 200 Brushy Street, Austin, TX. An interment will follow at Cook-Walden Capital Parks.

Condolences may be sent to www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com.