Yolanda Ann Ruiz

On October 2, 2021, our beloved mother and sister, Yolanda Ann Ruiz, 70, passed away unexpectedly. She was born in Indio, California on August 20, 1951, to Margaret and Roger Perez. She was the eldest of six children.

Yolanda was a Coachella Valley native and lived in the Desert her entire life. She was a graduate of Coachella Valley High School, and attended College of the Desert. Yolanda held various positions throughout her 20 year career in the banking industry. She was very involved in the community she knew as home. As a exceptional seamstress, she designed extravagant costumes for her roles in the National Date Festival and Indio International Tamale Festivals. She and her friends would spend late nights making tamales and reminiscing about their time together.

Yolanda was extremely personable, and had a gift for conversing with strangers. She made sure no one felt excluded. People were instantly captivated by her good nature and welcoming spirit. She was a bold, outgoing and exuberant spirit. Yolanda could bring a smile to anyone's face and fill a room with laughter and love. She was a true gift and unapologetically herself.

Yolanda was preceded in death by her mother and father, Margaret and Roger Perez; her two brothers Roger H. Perez Jr. and Rodrick Perez; and two grandsons. She was also preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Victor I. Ruiz. She is survived by sons, Oliver and Jacob Alvarez, and Alex Ruiz and their families. She is survived by step-children Mark Ruiz, Greg Ruiz and Amy Ruiz-Lopez and their families. Additionally, she is survived by her sister, Sofie Briones and her family; two brothers Roland Perez and Alfred Perez, and their respective families. Yolanda was proud of her surviving nineteen grandchildren and four great grandchildren. She will always be missed and cherished by her friends and family.

A Memorial service for Yolanda will be held Saturday, October 23rd , at Desert Christian Community Church, 31280 Sierra Del Sol, Thousand Palms, 92276, commencing at 11:30 a.m. Immediately following, there will be a Celebration of Life held at the same location.