Ben J. Ruiz

Ben, 82, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family.

Ben was born in Las Colonias, New Mexico, to Eumelia Roybal Ruiz and Andres C. Ruiz. He later moved to Albuquerque, NM, as a child.

He graduated (8th grade) from St. Therese Catholic School-1957, Albuquerque High School-1961, and the University of New Mexico-1964. Shortly after graduating from high school, he married the love of his life, Margaret DeBlassie, in 1963. Ben graduated from UNM with a degree in Business Administration. He then worked for the City of Albuquerque's Data Processing Department for ten years. He later pursued his passion for "real estate" and "construction" by combining his real estate and building contractor careers into his own company, Ruiz Development LLC.

He was preceded in death by his son, Benny James Ruiz, Sr., on May 16, 2024.

Ben is survived by his wife of 62 years, Margaret Ruiz; daughter, Monica Ruiz (Ozara Martinez); daughter-in-law, Melinda Ruiz; grandchildren, Nina Calderon, Andrea Jantz (Isiah Jantz), and Benny James Ruiz, Jr.; and great-grandchildren, Paul Calderon IV, Hailey Calderon, Hunter Calderon, Jeremiah Jantz, Chloe Jantz, and Brayden Jantz. He is also survived by his sister, Carmen Baca (Albuquerque, NM), and brother, Arcenio Ruiz (Sally Ruiz) of Beeville, Texas, along with his loving "family" and friends.

He will be remembered most for his focus on faith and family.

A Rosary and Mass will be celebrated on June 9th at the Church of the Incarnation (2309 Monterrey Road NE, Rio Rancho, NM 87144). Visitation with the family will begin at 9:30 AM, followed by the Rosary at 10:00 AM and Mass at 11:00 AM. A reception will follow in the Church of the Incarnation Parish Hall.

Inurnment will take place on Tuesday, June 10th, at Mt. Calvary Cemetery (1900 Edith Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102) at 11:00 AM.