David Anthony Ruiz

David Anthony Ruiz, 82, passed away on July 11, 2023 in El Paso, Texas. David will lovingly be remembered by his family; wife of 30 years, Gena and children Sandra Null (Perry), Karen Fultz (Bob), both of Gallup, Stacy Madrid, of Phoenix, stepson, Mark Robertson (Sarah) of Albuquerque, FOUR grand children and one great grandchild.

David was survived by his brother Alfred Ruiz (Judy) of Albuquerque, Raymond Ruiz (PJ) of Pueblo, paternal aunt Lourdes Ruiz of Albuquerque, paternal uncle, Richard Ruiz (Debbie) of San Diego, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his father, David Theodore Ruiz, his mother, Adeline Gurule Ruiz, his sister, Marcella Simunovich and stepson, Brent Robertson.

David was born January 19, 1941 in Gallup New Mexico. He attended Sacred Heart Cathedral Schools for his early education, graduating in 1934.  There he excelled in academics and sports. He participated in football, basketball, baseball and track and later went on to play AAU softball as a young adult. David began his 33 year banking career at the age of 19 as a bank teller for first state bank of Gallup, and eventually advanced to bank president by completing night school and summer courses at UNM, UofW Pacific Coast Banking School, Seattle (1974), and U of O’s National Commercial Lending Graduate School, Norman (1978). From 1990 to 2003 David worked as the City Manager of Gallup.  In 2003 he accepted the position of Director for the Local Governments Division within the DFA of New Mexico and subsequently moved from Gallup to Rio Rancho.  Throughout his career David received numerous recognition‘s, titles and accolades which demonstrated his superior leadership and athletic abilities. 

In the fall of 2020 David, along with his wife Gena, moved to El Paso, where they enjoyed the warmer winter weather for walking their beloved dog, Sasha.  David, as many knew, was a lifelong dog lover. His list of “fur babies“ included Whitey, Rusty, Brandy, Mugsy, Duke, and Sasha, all who preceded him in death. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be sent to your local animal shelter or ASPCA.

A memorial service will be held at Daniels Funeral Home at 7601 Wyoming Blvd. NE. in Albuquerque, New Mexico at 10 AM on Wednesday, August 9, 2023.