Lourdes "Lulu" Ruiz

Lourdes "Lulu" Ruiz was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed her to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, she possessed a tough-minded, take-charge attitude. She had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and she was at ease in the role of problem-solver. She was the type of person who could execute plans well, and had the drive to step onto center stage and take on whatever challenge confronted her. Lourdes always sought the scene where the action was occurring. Sociable, analytical, and pleasant, she was undoubtedly an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Lourdes was born on May 5, 1983. She first greeted the world in East Los Angeles, California. Her parents were Esteban Alcaraz and Lourdes Perez. She grew up in Los Angeles, CA (0-10 years old) and Fontana, CA (10-28 years old). Always able to express herself well, Lourdes was always able to be open and direct in her communication and was eternally optimistic in her outlook on life. Armed with a great wit, she was raised to be accepting of others and to employ a strong personal work ethic. These were all traits that would help her throughout her life.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Lourdes was able to relate well to others. Her occasional role as family mediator gave her the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. She was raised with three siblings. Lourdes had one younger brother, Steve, and two younger sisters, Myrna and Samanda. She had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Lourdes showed her creative ability in many ways ranging from her various hobbies to her ability to develop new twists on old games. She always seemed to enjoy new activities and was constantly pursuing a variety of interests. She enjoyed playing sports while growing up, with her favorites being soccer and volleyball. A take-charge person even as a child, Lourdes liked being actively involved. Some of her favorite pastimes while growing up were coloring, riding the swings, reading, and getting wet with the water hose on the yard.

Lourdes was outgoing and animated. Some of Lourdes' biggest accomplishments during this time included being an outstanding student and was every one’s best friend. Won most achieved player at volleyball at age 15.

Known to most people as a focused, logical, open-minded and driven individual, Lourdes was able to utilize these qualities to succeed in high school. She satisfied her curious nature by utilizing a hands-on approach to learning. She was good with facts and had an excellent memory. She graduated from A.B. Miller High School in 2001. Her favorite class was photography class with Mr. Michael Garnes. Lourdes won first prize in a photography competition.

While it was obvious that Lourdes had many of the tools necessary to ensure success in the classroom, she also knew that there were plenty of things to do and enjoy outside of school. Those close to her were well aware of her open, practical style of communication and relaxed approach to life in general. People appreciated these traits in her. She was uncomplicated and straightforward in her relationships, which allowed her to accept people for who they were.

The teen years bring more freedom, but also more responsibility. Lourdes was not intimidated by either. Her drive and enthusiasm for life led her to accept and even embrace them in stride.

When there was a goal in sight, Lourdes would work tirelessly to achieve it. This was especially true for college. As was the case in high school, her direct, down-to-earth approach served her well. She was able to absorb complex concepts and had an acute sense of how things worked. Lourdes worked towards an A.A. in photography.

College offered a whole new world of opportunities for Lourdes and she took advantage of the ones she saw as the most significant.

Lourdes was always a straight-shooter when it came to other people. Folks knew where they always stood with her. This led to her making a number of acquaintances in college, several of whom became good friends.

For Lourdes, relationships were precious things that should be valued. That was particularly true with her relationship with Jose Ruiz. They exchange vows at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witness in Rialto, California. She did her best to be charming to everyone, but this relationship was special. She brought into it her gift for being able to give freely and generously. This was just one of the things she did to create a happy home. A good listener with an engaging personality, Lourdes was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship. The couple incorporated both old and new friends into their relationship.

Lourdes was a generous woman who valued that same quality in others. So it is little wonder that she was so active and giving in her community. She was a member of several community groups. She was a gifted problem-solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made her a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which she belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Lourdes worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals.

Lourdes was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around her. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, one of her strengths was her ability to think on her feet. She could be a leader who made decisions that had great impact. Lourdes could read body language well, so she was able to read into situations and motivate others more effectively, based upon her observations. She was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Lourdes could multi-task, and she was endowed with an entrepreneurial spirit, allowing her to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in her work environment.

Lourdes never seemed to be afraid of work and was often willing; even early on, to tackle new and different challenges. She worked as an independent (freelance) photographer since college. Her primary occupation was working as a professional photographer. Though she rarely sought out any accolades for her achievements, she would humbly accept any recognition that came her way.

Lourdes enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. She had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that she did. She put this creativity toward all of her pastimes. Some of her favorite hobbies were taking pictures and "bead' jewelry.

Throughout her life, Lourdes developed many likes and passions, things that put a smile on her face.

Because she was not afraid to be assertive and aggressive at times, Lourdes was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. She was enthusiastic about these activities and her confidence served her well. Lourdes loved to played volleyball. Lourdes also enjoyed watching her favorite teams and events whenever she got the opportunity.

Lourdes held close to traditional values, and as a result, her faith was very important to her. She was a dedicated and baptized member of Jehovah's Witness Organization for 17 years. During that time she participated on many special assignments and was able to serve as a regular pioneer for 5 years.

Lourdes Ruiz left us on June 11, 2011. She passed away Riverside Community Hospital in Riverside, California. She was 28 years old. She is survived by her brother, Steve and sisters, Myrna and Samanda; her mother Lourdes; her father Esteban; and her husband Jose. Services were handled by Oakdale Mortuary. Lourdes was laid to rest at Oakdale Memorial Park in Glendora, California.

Lourdes was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A direct communicator, she relied on her senses to increase her involvement and awareness of others. She was always able to provide amusing repartee to her many friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes, and stories. She enjoyed her life to the fullest because of the limitless experiences it had to offer. This is how everyone will remember Lourdes "Lulu" Ruiz.