Francisco Ruiz

Donna, TX- Francisco Ruiz, 54, loving husband, father and grandfather, was called Home and embraced by his parents on April 2, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Frank was born in Altus, OK on September 30, 1961. He attended and graduated from Donna High School in 1980, where he was a proud member of the Donna Marching Band. He went on to receive a degree in Computer Bookkeeping from South Texas Vocational-Technical Institute in 1987. Frank loved sports- basketball, football, and baseball. His favorite teams included the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, the New York Yankees and the Donna Redskins. He enjoyed watching Sunday football with his sons and in his earlier years, would often challenge his kids to a friendly game of basketball. He also loved making cookouts and fish frys, watching any of the Rocky movies, an episode of The 3 Stooges, The Carol Burnett Show, The Jefferson's, All in the Family or the A-Team.
His passion, however, was music. He was a member of several mariachi groups that included, Mariachi del Valle in his earlier years, Mariachi Continental and most recently, Mariachi Mundial. He took great pride in playing trumpet for these groups because he got to share his God given gift and talent with people. He would often talk about how he'd love to have played alongside Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, his favorite group of all time. Frank was hardworking, dedicated to his family and overcame every obstacle he came across in order to provide for them. His family, children and grandchildren were his pride and joy and he loved them unconditionally.
Dad, We are at peace knowing you are finally resting peacefully. You're probably playing your trumpet so beautifully as you always did, in front of the greatest crowd we could ever imagine! Until we see you again....we love you and we'll miss you! We know you'll be smiling down on us .
Frank was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Timoteo and Francisca Ruiz; sister, Dominga Ruiz; and his aunts and uncles. He is survived by his loving wife, Leticia Ruiz; children, Mary Ann Ruiz-Zepeda (Roel), Elizabeth Ann Ruiz-Razo (Sebastian), Antonio de Jesus "Jesse" Ruiz, Francisco "Frankie" Ruiz Jr. and Jasmin Leslie Ruiz; 12 grandchildren; and numerous cousins. Additional survivors include his sister-in-law, Irma Sigala (Francisco Preciado); nieces, Lisa Sigala and Devahni Preciado; and nephews, Jose Carlos Damien and Daniel Preciado.
The following passage was written by his son, Frankie Jr.:
Well Dad, April 2, 2016 is the day God took you into the Heavens to join our Savior Jesus Christ. I just want you to know that although I wished you were here healthy with us, I know God knows what he's doing. He knows I am prepared and I truly believe in Him, as we all should. When mom told me about your passing, it gave me flashbacks to when I was a kid. The 22yrs of memories with you bring me to tears as I write this passage. You truly dedicated your time to your kids, something this new generation doesn't do. I remember you taking me to every baseball, basketball and football practice and game. You would watch me play and helped me get better. You never forced me into anything. But most importantly, you told me you loved me EVERYDAY, unconditionally. I also know you're with your mom and dad (grandma and grandpa) right now. I'll take care of Jesse, Jasmin and Mom too. I'm just glad you're pain free and free of suffer. I'll go out and be the man you want me to be by following God's word, His commandments and taking care of our family. I would also like say I'm sorry about things a trouble making kid like me would do that drove you crazy. I'm sorry for those principal visits my middle school years- pick any cause there were plenty to choose from. I'm sorry about the pitching I would do at our trash can at 7am, waking you up tired and making a hole in our trash can causing everything to fall out in the yard which you cleaned. Then you had to ask for a new rolling trash can. I'm sorry for all the things I broke in the house and for the food I burnt. I learned that having the stove on high all the time is not always a good thing. But I know I'm forgiven.
Well Dad, I guess this is goodbye for the time being. I'll see you in Heaven when God says it's my time to go. I Love You. I always have and always will.
No local services will be held at this time. Arrangements were entrusted to McCaleb Funeral Home of Weslaco.