Yesenia Katelyn-Leigh "China" Ruiz

Yesenia Katelyn-Leigh Ruiz, “China,” 19, of Waynesboro, departed this life on November 23, 2019 at home surrounded by her mother and siblings. Yesenia was born in Waynesboro to Magdaleno Ruiz and Frances Flores on February 2, 2000. She was a graduate of Waynesboro High School, where she participated in cheerleading, softball and volleyball. She worked as a personal care assistant at Royal Care. She thoroughly enjoyed her job caring for the residents there and was a “favorite” caregiver to many of them. Yesenia is preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Willard Campbell. Yesenia leaves behind to cherish her memory her father, Magdaleno Ruiz-Castillo and her mother, Frances Flores (Alfredo Flores); sister, Cheyenne Ruiz (Zach Brown); brother, Cesar Ruiz (Lachlan Mcintosh); brother, Jose Ruiz; sister, Mariela Ruiz; sister, Magali Hernandez; brother, Saul Ruiz; sister, Natalia Flores and brother, Alfredo Flores, Jr. whom she lovingly called “Pollo.” She is also survived by her paternal grandparents, Felipe Ruiz Rivas and Lina Castillo Rodriguez and maternal grandparents, Ernest and Joan Campbell. She also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. She leaves behind special friends, Caleb Brown, Mikel Harris, and Cris Aguirre as well as many other friends. Yesenia was the true definition of beauty as she had a love and talent for makeup. She was an amazing sister to her brothers and sisters as well as a wonderful daughter, grand-daughter, niece, cousin and friend to many. Her bond with her youngest brother was like no other as she cherished spending time with him and was there when he entered into the world. She also enjoyed riding in her car, “Lucy” listening to all of her favorite songs. Yesenia will forever be remembered for her heart, her kindness, and her ability to make others laugh. She had a forgiving heart, and of above all else, she cherished love. Yesenia especially loved spending time with her family and enjoyed her role of being the “big sister” to her younger siblings. A visitation for friends and family will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes. The Rosario will be held from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. prior to visitation. A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 3:00 p.m.on November 29, 2019 at St. John’s The Evangelist Catholic Church, 344 Maple Ave, Waynesboro, VA 22980. Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Jessica Miller, Caleb Brown, Abel Ruiz, Alex Ruiz, David Ruiz, Francisco Rivas-Ruiz, Jose Overa, and Macario Castillo. The family of Yesenia wishes to extend our sincere thanks to Waynesboro Police Department and the Victim-Witness Assistance Program and the entire Waynesboro community for their kindness and support for the family. Please send all flowers and arrangements to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes. Any friends and family are welcome to visit with family at the residence at 707 Ridgewood Road, Waynesboro. Relatives and friends may share condolences and memories online with the family by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.