Estela "Stella" Ruiz

Estela "Stella" Ruiz, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Downey, California, on January 24, 2025, just two days after celebrating her 88th birthday with family and friends. Born on January 22, 1937, in Mexico City, Mexico, Estela lived a life filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering dedication to her family.

Stella's professional journey began as a Travel Agent, a career in which she excelled and earned the respect of many. Her clients included notable figures from the entertainment industry in Mexico City, who sought her expertise for their travel needs. Estela's kindness and generous spirit made her a cherished member of the travel community.

Her passions extended beyond her career. Estela was a vibrant and joyous person who lit up the lives of those around her. Friends and loved ones often described her as sweet and fun, always ensuring that people felt appreciated and valued. She had a zest for life that was evident in her love for music and dance, and she embraced every moment with enthusiasm.

Family was at the heart of Estela's existence. She was known for her selflessness, often sharing her meals and ensuring that others were taken care of before herself. Her nurturing nature extended into every aspect of her life, including her hobbies, such as reading and playing cards, activities in which she excelled. In her later years, she found joy in playing games on her phone, often getting so engrossed that she had to be reminded to take breaks for meals.

Estela's educational journey began after she moved to California, where she studied Computerized Systems and Medical Terminology. She showed remarkable strength in overcoming language barriers, heartily learning English and becoming proficient enough to engage in conversations. Her determination to improve herself reflected in all aspects of her life.

While Estela cherished her moments of joy, she also faced challenges with great courage. Throughout her life, she underwent several hospitalizations but consistently bounced back with resilience and a desire to enjoy life. In her final days, she received an abundance of love and cuddles from her family, and she was able to express and receive love in return.

Estela is survived by her four loving daughters, Laura Miller, Leticia Eddy de Cavazos, Patricia Eddy, and Gabriela Eddy, who carry her legacy forward. Her grandchildren—Yesenia Leonard, Rafael Cavazos Eddy, Mariana Cavazos Eddy, Luis Fernando Castro Eddy, Tabatha Infanzon-Eddy, and Sabrina Fowler—will forever hold her close in their hearts, along with her great-grandchildren, Mhagen Leonard, Enrique Carmona Jr., Brichelle Angelette Cavazos, Fernanda Cavazos, Barbara Cavazos, Ethan Castro, her siblings Araceli Ruiz, Alberto Ruiz and her half-brothers Fernando Ruiz, Gustavo Ruiz, Eduardo Ruiz, Ruben Ruiz and Juan David Ruiz.

Estela was predeceased by her beloved grandchildren, Ida Patricia Carmona Eddy and Sergio Alejandro Castro Eddy, her half-brother Oscar Ruiz and her sister-in-law, Nora Alvarado. Their memory will forever be intertwined with Stella's, as she continues to live on in the hearts of her family.

A funeral service will be held in her honor on February 25, 2025, at Forest Lawn - Long Beach - Memorial Chapel in Long Beach, California. As we say our goodbyes, we choose to celebrate the beautiful spirit of Estela "Stella" Ruiz—a woman whose love knew no bounds and whose legacy will resonate through generations.