Tributes

Theresa P. Ruiz entered her new life on July 1, 2024, at home, holding the hand of the love of her life, Humberto after a long battle with dementia. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend who will be dearly missed. From cooking delicious meals like orange papas with fat tortillas, to her glamorous fashion sense, Theresa left her family and friends with wonderful memories to cherish and traditions to carry on for a lifetime. Theresa enjoyed many things including sewing matching pajamas for her children, crocheting, collecting stamps, solving sudoku puzzles, playing bunco with friends and of course spending lots of time with her large family. She lived a life of service to her husband and family, supporting Humberto in his military career, staying home to raise her children, and taking care of her grandchildren and playing an active role throughout their lives. She truly lived out the words of Mother Teresa, “A life not lived for others is not a life.” Our family will forever be indebted to her for all the sacrifices she made and all the invaluable life lessons she taught us. Although the family will miss so many things about her, we take comfort in knowing she lived a long and beautiful life. From humble beginnings, tragic losses, world travels, and many other life experiences, Theresa persevered and always moved forward. Her faith in God, courage and tenacity to overcome any battle inspires her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will carry on her legacy. Theresa was born on August 20, 1935 in Buda, Texas to Charles & Elvira Pastrano. She was the oldest of four children. Theresa is survived by her husband of nearly 70 years, Humberto; her five children, Sylvia Ruiz Fernandez, Mary Ruiz, Anna Ruiz Casias (Johnny), Cyndi Ruiz Soriano (Joe), Humberto “Eddie” Ruiz III; grandchildren Joseph Fernandez, Alyssa Fernandez (Jacob), Johnny Casias Jr. (Stefanie), Krysten Lake (Alex), Kandice Caudillo (Jonathan), Ashley Munguia (Joe), Humberto “Bert” Ruiz IV (Alejandra); great-grandchildren, Ariana, Jaylen & JJ Espino; Jayten & Jaxon Casias; Jacob, Kamila & Levi Lake; Kamryn, Parker, Logan & Bowen Caudillo; Humberto “Cinco” Ruiz V & Camila Ruiz; her brothers, Ernest Pastrano (Rosa) and Cirilo Pastrano (Dora); special sister/brother in-laws, Bertha Pastrano, Alice Escalante, Richard & Olga Stockton, Joe & Paula Ruiz; and numerous nieces and nephews. She also has two great-grandchildren on the way this year. Theresa is preceded in death by her parents Charles & Elvira Pastrano, daughter Elvira and brother Charles Jr. A visitation for Theresa P. Ruiz will be held Monday, July 15 starting at 5:00 P.M. with the Rosary starting at 7:00 P.M. at Mission Park Funeral Chapels South, 1700 SE Military Dr, San Antonio, Texas 78214. The Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church, 8510 S Zarzamora St, San Antonio, Texas 78224 with a procession to depart the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. The burial will follow mass at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd. San Antonio, Texas 78209.

Tributes

Theresa P. Ruiz

August 20, 1935 - July 1, 2024