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Oscar J. Ruiz
Oscar J. Ruiz, “Calin”, a lifelong resident of Winkelman, passed away in the early morning of Saturday, Aug. 13, 2016, at the age of 90. He was the oldest living male in Winkelman. Oscar was born to Bartola J. Ruiz Mares and Jose Ruiz on Oct. 25, 1925 at the Winkelman Flats.
Oscar’s passing marks the end of the Ruiz-Mares generation, spanning 95 years, that included a total of seven children. At the age of six, Oscar’s father passed away, leaving him to start working to help support the family. In 1944, Oscar was drafted into the Army and served his country during World War II. He was honorably discharged to help support his mother, brothers and sisters. In his younger years, Oscar was a cowboy who loved to ride, break horses and take care of ranches. He was part of The Greatest Generation, and, they never gave up! He was still driving in May!
In 1955, Oscar married the love of his life Dalia Soto, and they raised their family in Winkelman. He worked for ASARCO for 43 years as a Boilermaker/Blacksmith. He retired in 1986. He loved camping, cooking, dancing, joking around and, of course, the U. of A. Wildcats and AZ. D-Backs. He also loved spending time with family, especially his grandsons.
Oscar is preceded in death by his parents, Bartola and Jose Ruiz; his wife of 57 years, Dalia; his infant son, Oscar Jr.; daughters, Frances and Loretta; brothers, Jacinto, Isaiah, Federico Ruiz and Arnold Mares; and, sisters, Celia Ruiz Acton and Carmen Ruiz Martinez.
He is survived by his son, Robert (Irma); daughter, Rebeca (Anthony) Dominguez; grandsons, Francisco, Oscar and Daniel Gomez, Christopher and Nicholas Dominguez, Robert Ruiz, Louis, Joel, Aaron and Joseph Arbizo; and, great-grandson Oscar Daniel Ruiz Gomez.
Services for Oscar will be on Friday, Aug. 26, as follows: Viewing from 8 a.m. – 9 a.m., Rosary at 9:30 a.m., Mass at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Hayden. Burial will be at Mammoth Valley View Cemetery in Mammoth. Luncheon to follow at Hayden Golf Course Clubhouse.
Oscar was an honorable and kind man who loved his country, his family and his Town of Winkelman. We will all miss him. Rest in Paradise, Dad. We love you!
Griffith Mortuary is providing exceptional family service. 101 Johnston Dr., Kearny, AZ 85137. Ph. (520) 363-5353. GriffithMortuary.com.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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