Joe Arispe Ruiz crossed over Wednesday, December 31, 2025, to meet his Creator. He transitioned peacefully with family and friends by his side in San Angelo, Texas. Joe was born May 24, 1938 in Karnes City, Texas to Fernando Leman Ruiz and Juanita Arispe Ruiz. Joe always loved God and his precious family.
Joe met the love of his life, Eva Bargas, and they married on September 21, 1961. They had a loving 54 year marriage. During their marriage, Joe Arispe Ruiz enjoyed a loving family of two sons: Vic Leija and Joe B.
Joe served in the Army. After serving in the military, Joe was passionate about his construction career. He worked in San Angelo, Del Rio, Killeen, and Terrell, Texas and went as far up to Edmond, Oklahoma. Within his career he built homes, did restorations, and guided his two wonderful sons.
Joe loved to cook so much that he and his son Vic opened a restaurant in Killeen, Texas under the name of Joe's Little Mexico Restaurant. On his days off, he and his other son, Joe B., played in father / son golf tournaments.
Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Eva Bargas, on October 12, 2015; parents, Fernando Leman Ruiz and Juanita Arispe Ruiz; brothers, Alejandro Ruiz of Big Springs, Texas, Martin Ruiz of San Angelo, Texas, Blas Ruiz of San Angelo, Texas, and David Ruiz of San Angelo, Texas.
He is survived by Vic and Laura Leija of Austin, Texas, and Joe B. Ruiz of San Angelo, Texas; and sister, Helena Torres of Dallas, Texas. He is also survived by many cousins, nephews, and nieces.
A time of visitation and prayer will be held from 4-8 PM on Monday January 12, 2026 at Johnson's Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday January 13, 2026 at Christian Church of San Angelo (C. C. S. A.), 4064 S. Bryant Blvd, San Angelo, Texas. Interment will follow at Johnson's Lawnhaven Memorial Gardens.
The family would like to invite guests to join them for fellowship following the services at C. C. S. A.'s Fellowship Hall.
Family and friends may share photos, send condolences, and sign the guestbook at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com .
