With hearts full of gratitude and sorrow, we share that our beloved mother Beatriz Cerpa de Villarruel entered into a well-deserved eternal rest on October 1, 2026, at the age of 94. Born in Jalisco, Mexico, Beatriz (also known by friends and family as Doña or Betty) and her husband Rafael Villarruel settled in Detroit in 1961 to pursue the American Dream. They successfully built a new life and provided a strong foundation for their family. Beatriz and Rafael were married for 53 years when Rafael lost his fight with cancer in 2004.
Doña was the matriarch, moral compass and force of nature for our family of nine. She modeled a deep work ethic, determination and initiative for her seven children. Doña made sure we maintained our Mexican heritage and Spanish language while staying focused on being successful citizens in the U.S. She proudly and prominently displayed our various graduation photos and diplomas in her home and kept our business cards in her wallet.
A skilled cook, gardener, and needlecrafter, she also found time to be involved in her community. This included volunteering at a senior center and a Mexican cultural committee in Detroit and organizing ladies for daily walks in her Zapopan, Jalisco retirement neighborhood.
Beatriz courageously battled Alzheimer’s disease for over a decade. We are thankful for the family members who cared for her at home for 10 years and to the Marycrest Assisted Living and Trinity Hospice staff who cared for her this past year. A key caregiver, our brother Ernesto, tragically passed away on September 19, 2026.
Beatriz is survived by her children Nemesio Villarruel, Francisco Javier Villarruel (Maria del Refugio), Maria de Jesus Villarruel-Vazquez (Miguel), Arturo Villarruel (Patricia), Rafael C. Villarruel (Evelyn), and Raquel Thueme (Tracy); 11 grandchildren (Leticia, Gabriel, Francisco Rene, Rebecca, Ernesto Jr., Antonio, Emilio, Alejandro, Natali, Christina, Richard) and eight great-grandchildren (Ethan, Ezri, Dax, Analeigh, Gavin, Adam, Maya and Austin). Granddaughters Diana and Veronica await Beatriz in heaven.
A Memorial Mass will take place at 9:30 am on Friday, October 16, 2026, at St. Aidan Catholic Church, 17500 Farmington Rd, Livonia, MI 48152. Beatriz’s family will receive visitors on Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm, with a Rosary at 7:00 pm, and again at Church on Friday from 9:00 am until the time of the Mass at 9:30 am.
