Pastor Jose Ruiz
September 29, 1936 - November 12, 2017

Pastor José (Joe) Yañez Ruiz, 81, passed away this Sunday, November 12, 2017, at Comfort House, McAllen, TX after battling cancer for many years. He was a resident of La Feria, TX and previously, Mercedes, TX. Joe was born in Hidalgo del Parral in Chihuahua, Mexico on September 29, 1936. He was married to Josefina Avila Ruiz on July 31, 1976. They enjoyed a marriage that lasted 41 years upon his passing. He is preceded in death by his parents Solomon Ruiz, Manuela Ruiz and two siblings. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Rebecca (Jezreel Estevanes), and Esther (Gerardo Trevino), and one granddaughter Emma Elise Estevanes, three sisters and five brothers. Joe will be sorely missed by his wife, family and friends. Pastor Ruiz was known to many as the "singing Pastor." He had the gift of music which he used in his ministry to spread the gospel to as many people as he could. He began his journey in the Christian ministry through the "World Gospel Mission" in Saltillo Coahuila, Mexico where he studied biblical theology for 2 years. He completed his biblical studies at "Instituto Bíblico Interamericano" in La Feria, TX where he graduated in 1968. He also graduated from Valley Baptist Academy. He decided to further his education and received a certificate in Television and Radio Repair from TSTI as well. He served our Lord in the mission fields in Mexico and in Texas. He was an evangelist and gospel singer for many years. He helped in various churches in the Rio Grande Valley. He was an associate pastor at Bethel Baptist Church in Progreso, TX, and served as pastor in Baptist churches in Santa Rosa, Tx, Mercedes, Tx and Elsa, Tx. Pastor Ruiz loved to help people. He was an excellent listener, encourager, a man of integrity and faith, and most of all a committed Christian, whose life is worthy to emulate. He loved to work with his hands and was a jack-of-all-trades. He was an avid fan of fishing, and he enjoyed carpentry, mechanical and electrical jobs. He truly enjoyed music and played the piano, guitar, and accordion. His greatest musical talent was his voice. He was a tenor and sang beautifully. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 15th from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Rudy Garza Funeral Home, 236 S. Ohio St., Mercedes, TX. The religious service will be held at 7:00 p. m. Funeral services will be Thursday, November 16th, at 10:00 a.m. at Rio Life Community Church, 1112 Rio Rico Rd, Mercedes, TX, with Pastor Robert Rodriguez from Primera Iglesia Bautista, Harlingen, officiating. Interment will follow at the Baptist Cemetery, Anacahuitas St. (next to the Catholic cemetery), Mercedes, TX. Pallbearers will be Jezreel Estevanes, Gerardo Treviño, Paulino Avila, Ismael (Mike) Gonzalez, Carlos Ruiz and Ramon Ruiz.