Isabel Ruiz was born in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico on February 3, 1938. Her father was Isaias Lopez, and her mother was Julia Cruz de Lopez. She was married on August 28, 1954, to Cesar Ruiz. Out of their union came 3 children, Cesar Jr., Yolanda and Luz Elenia. They had been married for 62 years when Cesar passed away on November 25, 2016.
Isabel and Cesar moved from Puerto Rico to Massachusetts in 1959 and raised their family in Springfield. They retired to Tampa, Florida in 1991. They were active members of the Brandon Spanish SDA Church. Isabel’s passion was working with the Pathfinder Club of the church. Growing up she was an active Pathfinder and Medical Cadet. As a club leader in Florida, she had the privilege of attending 4 International Pathfinder Camporees in Osh Kosh, Wisconsin that take place every 5 years. She went in 2004, 2009, 2014 and 2019.
Isabel had a weak heart which was well regulated by a pacemaker. Later in life she developed pulmonary fibrosis which made taking in oxygen progressively harder. In September of 2022 she was put on oxygen 24/7. After the Christmas holiday she developed an infection that ultimately made breathing impossible. She passed away on January 2, 2023, at Tampa General Hospital surrounded by her children and grandchildren.
Isabel is survived by her son Cesar Ruiz, Jr. and his children, Matthew Ruiz, Olga Bobadillo and Jonathan Ruiz. She is survived by her oldest daughter Yolanda Ruiz-Amegan and her children, Jasmine Rosario, Yannick Amegan, Julianna Giordana and Jaden Galarza. She is survived by her youngest daughter Luz Elenia Ruiz and her daughters Naomi Rivera, Sabrina Vasquez, and Yolanda Vazquez. She also had 11 beautiful great grandchildren.