Elizabeth Ann (Maes) Ruiz

On Thursday, February 23, 2023, Elizabeth Ann (Maes) Ruiz, 72, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Liz was born in Las Vegas, New Mexico, on Sunday, November 26, 1950. She was the second of five children in the family and reared in Las Vegas by her parents, Alfredo and Gladys Maes, who preceded her in death.

Upon graduation from Robertson High School in 1968, she attended New Mexico Highlands University, graduating in 1972. Shortly thereafter she was wed to Herman Martinez, also of Las Vegas. During the marriage, they raised two daughters, Felice and Celina.

Her marital and professional careers spanned several locations, first moving to Ann Arbor, Michigan, for a year, then moving to Alamosa, Colorado, where she completed her master's degree in guidance and counseling. Liz lived in seven states besides New Mexico, including Michigan, Colorado, California, Maryland, Ohio, Texas, and Florida.

Before moving from Santa Fe to Albuquerque, she was a high school counselor at Santa Fe Technical High School for two years. She also worked for Bernalillo Public Schools at Santo Domingo Elementary School.

In 1991, Liz moved to Albuquerque where she worked as a guidance counselor at Albuquerque Public Schools (APS) until her retirement. She worked at Taft Middle School (6 years) and at Van Buren Middle School (4 years). Her final assignment was at Governor Bent Elementary School (11 years) in Northeast Albuquerque. She retired from APS in 2011.

During this time, Liz met David Ruiz and they were married on Monday, June 11, 2007. David preceded her in death on Friday, April 22, 2022. They were married for 15 years. David often referred to Liz as "the Lovely Liz." Liz often referred to David as the "love of her life."

As an adult she gave her life to Jesus which gives us peace in knowing that she is home with her Savior, followed in believers' baptism as the first step of obedience in Christian devotion, and sought a church which allowed her to grow in truth and
grace, according to biblical scriptures. After David became ill in November 2021, they regularly watched the Sagebrush television services.

Liz will long be remembered for her kindness, loving heart, generous spirit, gentleness, good nature, and deep love for her family. She was always willing to help others and to stay connected to her family members and friends. "Our little Social Butterfly": she enjoyed fellowship, family gatherings and meals. She left her mark on the world and the people that she touched. She traveled to the side of every family member who was ill. Liz always wanted for things to be better and was willing to speak up for anyone who couldn't find their own voice.

Liz was often referred to as "Queen Elizabeth" being the first born daughter of the family. She also tagged herself as "Cactus Liz" due to her passion for growing, sharing and knowledge of plants. Her hobbies included attending art fairs and festivals as well as other interests in movies, music, and shopping.

Special mention for nephew David Ortiz, who helped care for Liz following the loss of her husband, David.

She is survived by daughters, Felice and husband, Aaron (deceased) Jackson and Celina Sessa and husband, Paul; and granddaughter, Holly. Other survivors include step daughter, Julie Maya and husband, Ralph Maya; and three adult children. Additional survivors are brother, James Maes and wife Nadine; sisters, Rosann and husband, Steve (deceased) Vigil, Helen Toole and husband, Damon, and Andrea Chavez and husband, Timothy as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

We love and will miss her dearly.

Memorial Services will take place on March 24, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at FRENCH- Lomas in Albuquerque. Light refreshments will be served after the service.
Burial will take place at the National Cemetery in Santa Fe at a later date.