Ysidro C. Ruiz, 100, passed away from natural causes in Tucson on July 25, 2024. He was born on March 26, 1924, in Safford, Arizona.
Ysidro is preceded in death by his wife, Trini; son, Rudy; and grandson, Christopher.
He is survived by his daughters, Grace (Tony) Abruzzo and Becky Ruiz (Michele Mejia); grandchildren, Ronnie Ruiz, Gracie Abruzzo and Teresa (Christian) Heger; great-grandchildren Davina Carbajal, Gabby and Marissa Ruiz, Fred, Marcello “Marco” and Ysidro “Sid” Heger.
Ysidro attended a small school in Tres Alamos up to the sixth grade but had to withdraw to start working with his dad. He served in the U.S. Army as Staff Sergeant, serving in World War II with a tour in Europe in the 53rd Armored Battalion. During his military service Ysidro was part of the Normandy Beach invasion against the Nazis and was awarded two Purple Hearts and the Bronze Star medal.
After moving to Mammoth in 1955, he worked with Lamar Cotten Construction building homes in the area. Ysidro also worked part time for the Town of Mammoth as a handyman and eventually became the Director of Public Works for 34 years.
He was an active member of the San Pedro Valley Lions Club for many years, receiving the 50 Year Monarch Milestone Chevron Award and the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. Ysidro was a valuable asset to the Lions Club and the Town of Mammoth, always willing and able to provide his services. He loved living in Mammoth and had only one hobby – serving the community, whether it be building, fixing or spreading his knowledge to others.
Ysidro C. Ruiz will be remembered on Friday, Sept. 13, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, located at 8650 N. Shannon Rd. in Tucson. Rosary will take place at 10:30 a.m. followed by Mass at 11 a.m. He will be interred at a later date in Mammoth.