Maria Luisa Leija-Ruiz, a beloved sister, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2025, surrounded by the warmth and love of her family. She was 84 years old.

She was born on January 20, 1941, in Los Trojas, Cerritos, San Luis Potosi, Mexico, alongside her twin, Jose Luis, to parents Adolpho and Regina. As the youngest daughter of eight siblings, Maria grew up in Cerritos before marrying her first husband Ramon Leija. Shortly after, they immigrated to the United States, where they raised their five children. She would then go on to remarry Avelino Ruiz Sr., with whom she welcomed two more children, completing her family.

Although Maria faced various tribulations, she remained devoted to God and persevered through life's challenges with immense diligence and strength—especially for the sake of her children. Her family was her constant source of inspiration to keep going. Throughout her time on earth, Maria enjoyed the simplest things in life, such as tending to her plants, listening to the birds, and playing with her Yorkies. She also cherished listening to her corridos and dancing her worries away. But above all, she treasured spending time with her loved ones, reminiscing on her glory days.

She is deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by her five sons—Rolando, Ricardo, Rubén, Rafael, and Avelino Jr.—and her two daughters Lucinda and Angélica. Maria's memory will continue to live on through her 20 grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, one surviving brother, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Tú vives para siempre en nuestros corazones Ama