LEOPOLDO RUIZ, JR.

Mr. Leopoldo Ruiz, Jr. entered into his eternal glory on Monday, February 13, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Ruiz was affectionately referred to as “Polo” by his family and friends. Polo was the eldest of four children born to Leopoldo Ruiz, Sr., and Manuela Romanos-Ruiz. He and his siblings were raised in a modest home in central Laredo during the Great Depression years. Motivated by the struggles during these challenging years, Polo became a self-made man known for his entrepreneurial successes. In the 1960’s and 1970’s Polo owned and operated Polo Ruiz Texaco at the intersection of Market and Meadow. It was during these years when he taught his older children the values of hard-work and great customer service. Polo was also a master butcher who owned and operated Ruiz Custom Meats for over 45 years. Polo could always be counted on to provide you with the best “cut” of meats and a quick-witted joke. Having grown up during a challenging era, Polo understood the concept of brotherly love. This compassionate spirit led him to spearhead a food pantry project known as “Hunters for the Hungry” wherein thousands of pounds of meat were donated annually to several local charities including Bethany House. “…those who have done what is good will rise to live…” John 5:29

Mr. Ruiz was preceded in death by his loving wife Belia R. Ruiz, his sons Clemente and Roberto L. Ruiz, his parents Leopoldo Sr., and Manuel Ruiz and his brothers and sister Jose M. (Beatriz) Ruiz, Jorge R. Esparza, and Rosario Ruiz.

Left to cherish his memory are his children Rodrigo (Laura) Ruiz, Patricia Lee (Stephen) Furbacher, Ana Laura Ruiz, Rogelio Francisco (Sandi) Ruiz, Ricardo Rafael Ruiz, Leopoldo (Carmen) Ruiz, III, Teresa (†Luis) Guerra, Dora (†Jose) Santos, Wayo (Cindy) Ruiz, Rosario (Ramiro) Galindo, Jesus (Monica) Ruiz, Gabriel (Melissa) Guajardo, Juan Leopoldo (Lily) Ruiz and his daughter-in-law Elma Ruiz.  Mr. Ruiz is also survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

The family would like to give their utmost sincere thanks to Dr. Dennis Cantu, Dr. Ricardo Cigarroa and their staff and the staff at St. Jude Home Health and Hospice for the care given to Mr. Ruiz during his time of need.