Mary Claudia Ruiz

Claudia Ruiz was born in Mathis, Texas on November 12, 1958. She was preceded in death by her sister, Adriana Zapata, father, Claudio Zapata and her husband, Antonio Ruiz. She is survived by her son, Justin Ruiz, daughter-in-law, Maggie Ruiz, mother, Rosa Dominguez, step-father, Conrad Dominguez, sister, Isabel Flores, brother-in-law, Roy Flores and her niece, Malia Flores. Claudia worked for Boardwalk Pipeline and was a dedicated employee who had just celebrated 20 years with the company. Claudia loved her work and even more, the co-workers and lifelong friends she made throughout the company. Claudia was active in the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo as a committee member for 3 different committees at the same time. That was her second job when rodeo season came around she loved the rodeo. Claudia touched so many lives as a committee member for the Gatekeepers, Go Tejano, and Carnival Ticket Sales. Claudia was one of the most courageous, uplifting and Godly women placed on this earth. She never met a stranger and would give you the shirt off her back and her very last penny to help others. If you ever had the pleasure of meeting Claudia then we know that you were touched by her heart and her spirit. “Do you need anything?” This was a constant question out of Claudia’s mouth. She would never go anywhere without asking what she could do or what she could bring. Even when others would say “Just bring yourself,” she managed to bring something they lacked. Her Mary Poppins purse held anything and everything a person would need. Claudia loved her family and friends unconditionally. Each and every day Claudia would call her mom, Rosa, her niece, Malia and sister Isabel. There was always enough time in the day for Claudia to be with her family. If friends needed her in the middle of the workday she would be there with them as soon as she could get out of the office and stay as long as they needed her. She always made sure others were happy and made sure no one ever worried about her. Claudia had a heart of pure gold and would give anything to anyone in her life, just for others to be happy. Claudia had just celebrated the marriage of her only son, Justin. She was one of the bride’s biggest supporters in making the decisions to making the table pieces. Never once did she bat an eye on lending a helping hand. Maggie, her daughter-in-law loved Claudia with all her heart and was beyond grateful to have found a man with such a loving and giving mother. She was beaming on the day she got to watch her son marry the love of his life. Claudia lived for her son and all he accomplished. So many people would constantly say how proud she was of him. During the past five years Justin was Claudia’s rock after the passing of her husband, Tony. There was never an instant she didn’t think or talk about him and couldn't wait to be back with him. Finally, after five years of waiting, Claudia is with the love of her life, Tony. The Ruiz family will be present to receive friends Tuesday, October 21, 2014 from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a Vigil service beginning at 7:00 PM at Dettling Funeral Home, 14094 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX 77079. The Funeral Mass will commence Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at 10:30 AM at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail, Houston, TX 77079. A reception will follow holy mass on the church grounds. Graveside services will take place at a later date at VA Houston National Cemetery.

Mary Claudia Ruiz

November 12, 1958 - October 14, 2014