Obituary of Judith P Ruiz
Judith P. Ruiz, 88, of Henderson, Nevada, passed away on Tuesday, October 13th, 2020. Judith was born in Montreal, Canada on March, 23rd, 1932. Judith studied to be a nurse in the early part of her life. In 1955, she married Charles Kenneth Ruiz, and together traveled the world as he spent over 33 years in naval service. During Ken’s service, he was promoted to Captain and in his words, served on the sea, under the sea, over the sea, and in the sea (as a result of the Vincennes submarine sinking). Judith was his loyal partner during this time, serving in her own way as a naval wife as they moved from place to place. After Ken retired, they eventually settled in Henderson, Nevada in 1989. They split their time between Henderson and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, where they had a fishing cabin to satiate Ken’s love of salmon fishing.
Judith was a passionate animal lover and with the help of her husband, formed the Las Vegas Valley Humane Society in 1991. Judith was heavily involved with the non-profit. When asked what her initial focus was when she helped create the non-profit, she replied “To stop animal suffering, breeding, and overpopulation”. Her goals had a deep impact on the community through all her efforts to work with local veterinarians, set up spay/neuter clinics, and working to microchip animals in the adoption program. The Las Vegas Valley Humane Society still operates today with the help of volunteers and community support.
Besides her love of animals, Judith’s other interests included gourmet cooking, interior design and traveling the world. She touched the hearts of so many people both here and across the globe.
Judith is predeceased by her husband, Captain Charles Kenneth Ruiz. She is survived by her stepson Richard Ruiz of Oceanside, CA; grandchildren, Ken Ruiz of Los Angeles, CA, Robert Ruiz of Carlsbad, CA and Anna Araya of Carlsbad, CA, along with her husband John and their children, Judith’s great grandchildren, Justin and Dean Araya. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a contribution to the charity of your choice be made. Services will be held 10:40 am on Monday, October 26th, 2020 at Southern Nevada Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive, Boulder City, NV 89005.