Joe Ruiz passed away at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital on Sunday, October 22nd, at the age of 72 years. Joe was a native of Hollister, attended local schools, and lived here all his life. Joe could be recognized pedaling his bicycle through out San Benito County and especially downtown Hollister, stopping at his favorite coffee shops to visit with his many friends. He enjoyed visiting with people and offering a helping hand to anyone who needed assistance. Illness forced him to stop bicycling a year ago. Joseph had been an employee of Yamanishi Farms, as well as the Hollister Cannery; and is a member of Sacred Heart Parish.
He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Tony and Leandra Ruiz of Hollister, and brother Manuel Ruiz of Salinas, his nephews; Tony Ruiz Jr., spouse Sue, of San Jose, David Ruiz of Gilroy, Raymond and Robert Ruiz of Hollister, his nieces; Gloria Dunn, spouse Patrick, of San Juan Bautista, and Helen Dennis, spouse Aaron, of Hollister, plus several great nieces and nephews.
Visitation will commence Wednesday, October 25th, at 12 noon followed by the recitation of the rosary at 7:00 pm at the chapel of the Grunnagle Ament Nelson Funeral Home, 870 San Benito St., Hollister.
Family and friends will leave the mortuary thursday morning at 9:30 am for a Mass of The Resurrection at Sacred Heart Church, 5th & College Streets, Hollister at 10:00 am. Interment, Calvary Cemetery. Donations are preferred to Mabie Skilled Nursing Center or Cancer Society, c/o the mortuary chapel.
