Carolina Z. Ruiz

Carolina Z. Ruiz passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on May 11, 2025, in Alice, Texas. Born on August 26, 1932, in Mathis, Texas, to Julian and Rosa Zamudio, Carolina's journey through life was marked by her unwavering kindness, her infectious smile, and her deep-seated faith.

Carolina received her elementary education from the San Patricio School District in Mathis, Texas. She was committed to getting her diploma, and later in life she achieved her GED through the Alice Independent School District; a proud moment that exemplified her determination and tenacity.

Her professional life reflected her character: respectful, honest, hardworking, and punctual. Her 26-year tenure in the Alice Independent School District’s Cafeteria Department, where she retired from, was as nourishing to the spirit as it was to the body. Carolina's delightful sense of humor and her motherly and caring manner to the students, as well as mentoring the many who joined the Food Service Department, were hallmarks of her career.

Carolina relished life's many pleasures. Whether it was a leisurely walk in the park with her niece, dressing up for weddings or quinceañeras, or enjoying family gatherings and reunions, she embraced every moment with enthusiasm. Carolina's sense of style and her preparation for any event were impeccable, always arriving with her makeup perfectly applied and her hair styled, ready to celebrate life's joys.

Carolina was an immaculate housekeeper, and her house was filled with delicious aromas from her kitchen such as, carne guisada, tamales, enchiladas, tortillas, and her renowned Sand Tart Cookies, her culinary skills were second to none. During her leisure time she could be found watching game shows, engrossed in her novelas, listening to the radio, or dancing to her favorite groups Los Cucuys de Rodney Rodriguez or Frank Garcia Y Los Culpables while sweeping or mopping. She also enjoyed laughing and joking while engaged in a spirited game of Bingo, Chalupa, Poker, or Loteria with family and friends. Carolina was an active and faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Rosary Society. Her faith-filled spirit shone brightly through her loving actions and her thoughtful presence in the lives of all who knew her.

To describe Carolina is to speak of a woman who was loving in every sense of the word, whose faith guided her through life's challenges and joys, and whose thoughtfulness knew no bounds. She will be profoundly missed by all who were blessed to have known this amazing woman.

Carolina is proceeded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Juan M. Ruiz; her parents, Julian and Rosa Zamudio; her siblings, Martha Lopez, Victoria Longoria, Apolonia Juarez, and Amparo Juarez; and her brothers-in-law, Kelly Cortez and Fred Lopez.

Carolina's legacy of love and warmth lives on through her children, Johnny Ruiz and Rosario Ruiz; the loves of her life that brought her joy, her cherished grandchildren, Lauren (Jose) Ortiz and Jerry (Lisa) Davis, and great-grandchildren, Aliyah Davis and Rihanna Davis; along with her siblings, Julian (Pauline) Zamudio, Josie Martinez, Esmeralda Cortez, and Julia Lopez; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends

Carolina’s family will receive condolences on Friday, May 16, 2025, at Treviño Funeral Home Alice, 120 E. Front St., from 5:00 PM until 9:00 PM, with the Holy Rosary to be recited at 7:00 PM. A funeral cortege will depart the funeral home on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at 9:30 AM to St. Joseph Catholic Church for Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10:00 AM. Rite of Committal and Interment will follow at New Collins Cemetery.

Honoring Carolina as pallbearers are Jerry Davis, Fred J. Soliz, Kelly Cortez, Santos Juarez, Eric Lopez, and Johnny Garcia. Honorary pallbearers are Eddie Juarez, Salvador Vega, Dustin Buxton and Freddie Lopez.

To leave your condolences for the family of Carolina Z. Ruiz, share your memories, or visit her tribute wall, please go to www.trevinofuneralhome.net.