Joe D. Ruiz September 11, 1966 - October 29, 2013

Joe Dominguez Ruiz, age 47, Ozark, Mo, passed away on October 29, 2013 after a very surprising diagnosis of stage four pancreatic cancer. It was a short, but hard struggle. He passed away surrounded by his loving and supportive family and friends. Joe was born September 11, 1966 in Sunnyside, WA the son of the late Jesus and Josefa Ruiz. He grew up in Grandview, WA. He always had a large extended family of very close friends. Joe was always extremely active in sports and in middle school he still holds the record for the fastest pin in wrestling (three seconds). He took his team to the championships and was nicknamed “Chief”. He received several gold, bronze and one silver medal along with his athletic letters and letterman’s jacket. His favorite sport was football and played semi-pro football for the Springfield Rifles, now known as the Springfield Sharks. He was a part of their defensive team. His favorite pro football team was the Seattle Seahawks. “Go Hawks”. Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army from June 1987 to February 1998 and was a member of the Mountain Commando Elite Force. He was their squad leader and nicknamed “Hawk” by his platoon. Joe is survived by his fiancée Ruby Robertson; five sons, Justin Combs, Justin Snyder, Joseph Ruiz, Ian Ruiz, Jesse Ruiz; two daughters Catherine Irby and a new daughter Jenna Faye Ruiz due in January; three step sons Billy Robertson, Isaiah Hendrix, Logan Robertson; one step daughter Rainie Robertson; seven brothers Mario Ruiz, Jesse Ruiz, Cornelio Ruiz, Socorro Ruiz, Felix Ruiz and Alex Ramos; six sisters Cleotide Peton-Ruiz, Josefa Harmon, Delores Howe, Lydia Rosant, Colleen Ramos and Guadalupe Hernandez; three granddaughters Adonna, Isabella and MacKenzie; one grandson Travis; nieces, nephews and other loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Travis Ruiz; brother Joey Ruiz; nephews Nick and Austin Ruiz. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Jessica Snyder, her nurse Sheena and the staff of Mercy Hospice for their excellent care. Honoring Joe’s request his body has been cremated and a memorial mass will be held at a later date. Arrangements under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com.