With heavy hearts and treasured memories, we celebrate the life of our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Paula Ruiz, who left this world to be with Jesus on June 19, 2026 after a well-lived life.

At the time of her passing, Paula was 88 years old. She was born on a farm on June 18, 1938 in Uvalde, TX to Luis & Rafaela (Ceniseroz) Ruiz, who preceded her in death. In 1944, the Ruiz family migrated from Texas to Saginaw, MI to labor as field workers. Paula remained in Saginaw for most of her life and worked hard as a foundry/assembly worker at General Motors for 28 years. In 1981, she transferred to Oklahoma City, OK. Another transfer landed her in Defiance, OH but she eventually returned and retired in Oklahoma City. In 2017 Paula joined her daughter in Brunswick, GA.

Paula was passionately devoted to and proud of each of her six children: Jose Perez III (Margie) of Saginaw, MI; Lily Jackson of Moore, OK; Josie Colpean of Midland, MI; Marie Stewart (Mark) of Amarillo, TX; Jennifer Brake (Larry) of Brunswick, GA; and Mary Ann Jones (Gordon) of Allen, TX. She also found joy as Mema/Grandma to nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

She considered a life well-lived as one that focused on family, friends, and service. She loved spending time with her family and made every effort to stay in touch with all of her family, even long-lost cousins in Mexico. She had many friends from all over the country that she regularly stayed in touch with by phone, as in telephone conversations…..not text messages. Paula was known for her giving spirit and servant’s heart. She was overly generous with anyone in need, and when she was still able to do so volunteered at her churches, Meals-on-Wheels, Oklahoma City airport, and Integris Hospital serving as a Spanish-speaking interpreter.

Her love for people was evident by her strong social personality. For her, a trip to the grocery store was an opportunity to make a new friend. She was adventurous and was always excited when an opportunity arose to move to a new place, which of course meant new friends. Paula also loved road trips, taking numerous cross-country trips, just her and her little dog Scooter. She loved puzzles, boardgames, bingo, word searches, embroidery, and watching her Golden Girls.

For the last four years Paula resided at Home Life on Glynco where she found much happiness in spending her days enjoying all the activities and field trips with her new friends. And when the organized activities were done for the day, her and the other “Golden Girls” spent hours playing board games, doing puzzles, and enjoying each other’s company. The family would like to recognize the staff of Home Life who treated our mom as if she was their mom.

In addition to her six children, Paula is survived by her nine grandchildren: Amanda Colpean, Randall Colpean Jr, Kerin Colpean, Dr. Jessica Perez, Andre Brake, Jose Perez IV, Derek Jackson, Isaac Brake, Alec Jones; and great-grandchildren Marcos Colpean and Kinsley Jackson. She is also survived by her brothers Alvino Ruiz, Pedro Ruiz, and sister Candelaria Barsenas.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers Gilbert Ruiz, Veda Ruiz, Pablo Ruiz, Eulojio Ruiz; and sisters Soledad Gomez, Aniseta Ruiz, Rosa Maria Ruiz, and Victoria Ruiz.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life which will be held at Brunswick Memorial Park Funeral Home on August 7, 2026 at 11:00am.