Elizabeth Kathryn (Sanchez) Ruiz

Elizabeth K. Ruiz, loving wife of Samuel Ruiz passed away peacefully after a lifelong battle with Crohn's disease on Sunday, September 12, 2021, with her husband, mother and father at her side. She was a graduate of West Mesa High School and went on to graduate from UNM with a bachelor's degree in Human Resources and Economics. Elizabeth retired after nearly 20 years of working at Sandia National Laboratory on a retirement disability. Elizabeth is survived by her husband, Samuel; parents, Anthony and Lucille Sanchez; sister, Lori Messex and husband Dustin; sister, Rebecca Ivey and husband Rich; niece, Alana Messex; and nephew, Derek Messex all from Albuquerque.

Although Elizabeth did not have cancer, she received regular infusions to try to treat the Crohn's disease at the New Mexico Cancer center on Lang Avenue for many years. It was during these treatments that Elizabeth found a calling that really lifted her up. She would talk with the patients there and encourage them not to give up. She would always have a beautiful smile on her face and tell the other patients "just keep on swimming" never give up. She told her Dad, when I go to the infusion center, I leave my problems at the door. Elizabeth will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Pallbearers will be Rich Ivey, Dustin Messex, Max Pena, Eric Romero, Seth Jay and Raphael Zapata.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, September 21 at 9:00 a.m., St. Joseph's on the Rio Grande Catholic Church, 5901 St. Joseph's Dr. NW, Albuquerque, NM.
Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque. Due to Covid - 19, in order to try and keep friends and family safe, there will not be a receiving line nor a reception. The family appreciates your understanding.