MANUEL RUIZ III

Our beloved husband, father and papa, Manuel Ruiz III, passed away on August 17th, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. He was born on December 4th, 1965 in Santa Paula, California to Manuel Ruiz, Jr. and Frances Ramirez Ruiz.

Manuel attended St. Bonaventure High School for 3 years before graduating from Santa Paula High school in 1984. He married his high school sweetheart, Arleen Noriega, on May 16, 1987. Two years later, Manuel and Arleen welcomed their first child Manuel Ruiz, IV, lovingly referred to as "Lil Manuel."  Shortly thereafter, they had their first daughter, Jessica. They completed their family with the birth of their second daughter, Ashley, seven years later. Manuel worked for the City of Santa Paula in numerous departments for 32 years before retiring as a City Inspector.  After retiring, Jessica blessed him with his first grandchild, Ava Trinity, who was the light of Manuel's life. The two of them were inseparable, she was his little partner in crime.

Manuel had a passion for sports and loved the Dallas Cowboys and the Los Angeles Dodgers. You could often find him in his garage watching sports and enjoying a few beers with whoever stopped by. Another passion of his was barbecuing with family and friends. He was always there to lend a hand to whomever was in need. When Jessica and Ashley were young, Manuel spent many years coaching them. He also spent 3 years on the softball board as President and 2 years in charge of the field and equipment. Most recently, he was an active member of the Santa Paula Moose lodge where he served 2 years as Vice President and a brief stint as President until his passing. He was a devoted husband, father and papa and known for his dedication to the community.

Manuel is preceded in death by his father Manuel Ruiz, Jr., mother Frances Ramirez Ruiz, sister Armida Ruiz Murphy, brother Richard Ruiz, sister Terry Ruiz Rojo, sister Rosie Ruiz, and nephew Virgil Murphy, Jr.  He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Arleen Ruiz, son Manuel Ruiz, IV, daughter Jessica Ruiz, daughter Ashley Ruiz and granddaughter Ava Trinity Lara. He is also survived by numerous family and friends.

The Ruiz family would like to thank our family, friends, the Santa Paula Moose Lodge family and community for all of your love and support.  We would also like to thank Dr. Michael Tushla for his dedicated care and compassion.