Manuel L. Ruiz

Manuel L. Ruiz, "Nuni," born in Jarales, and resident of Albuquerque, passed away Saturday, October 11, 2014. He was born on January 12, 1932, the son of Sara and Manuel Ruiz. Growing up, he was well-known and looked up to in his community in Barelas because he excelled in school, skipping grades along the way. He wrestled and boxed at the old Albuquerque High School, where he graduated. Upon graduating, he joined the Army as an infantry soldier. Manuel was qualified as a marksman and saw combat as a Korean War vet. He later married Angelina Chavez, now deceased. They raised eight children together in the North Valley. He was a roofer for 27 years and then worked for the City of Albuquerque for just as long. He loved the outdoors, and was always gardening, pruning, and weeding, but he especially enjoyed having family gatherings and following Lobo basketball and football (mostly basketball). To describe Manuel simply, he was humble, clever and kind. He is survived by his children, Lorraine Martinez, Daniel Ruiz, David Ruiz, Donald Ruiz, Michelle Scharlau, Damian Ruiz, Rey Ruiz and Daren Ruiz; grandchildren, Andrew Martinez, Linda Anderson, Alicia Ruiz, Matthew Royo, Robert Ruiz, Orlando Ruiz, Kayla Ortiz, Raenah Ruiz, Milan Ortiz-Ruiz, Eloy Martinez and Ella Ortiz-Ruiz; great grandchildren, Aiden Anderson and Anisa Martinez; siblings, Esther Fox, Edna Mulky, Reynaldo Ruiz and half-sister, Lydia Diaz. A viewing will be held Wednesday, October 15, 2014, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at FRENCH - University. Services will be held at the same location on Friday, October 17, 2014, at 10 a.m. A burial will follow at Fairview Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Manuel's favorite charity, Clothes Helping Kids, care of www.clotheshelpingkids.org . Please visit our online guestbook for Manuel at www.FrenchFunerals.com . FRENCH - University 1111 University Blvd NE 505-843-6333