Candelario Ruiz

RUIZ, Candelario Munoz "Cande" - Age 92, of Swartz Creek, died Friday, July 15, 2022. Cande was born February 2, 1930, in Manor, Texas, the son of Bonifacio and Maria (Munoz) Ruiz. He married Patricia McCoy February 20, 1960, in Flint, MI. Cande & Patricia were married for 61 years until she preceded him in death on October 16, 2021. He had resided in Swartz Creek since 2016, coming from Linden (40 years) and Flint (20) years. Raised in Austin, Texas where he attended Palm Elementary, Cande had a strong work ethic to help support his family. Upon his move to Michigan, Cande worked at and later owned and operated Cande's Cleaners. After selling Cande's Cleaners he purchased and operated Linden Cleaners with his wife Patricia. Cande later worked for Linden Community School as the Head Maintenance Supervisor, from which he retired. In all his work he was self-taught and he was gracious to teach others the skills he had mastered. He was a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church. He also was a member of the Linden Kiwanis Club. Cande lived his life with pride in his efforts. Whether it was wit and practical joking, settling in for a multi-day road trip to Texas, or learning new skills to support his family, he lived putting his best foot forward and following through. Cande, whose schooling stopped in elementary school, could often be found focused on a hefty book. In Linden he built a house for his family and he made it a home for not just his children, but his children’s children too. He laughed heartily and made others laugh, and he went in search of the world’s beauty including notable trips to the Grand Canyon and the Caribbean. His happiest moments were being and sharing warmth with his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are: his children, Edward Ruiz of Fenton, Sylvia Ruiz of Swartz Creek, Michael Ruiz of Flint, and Maria Ruiz Sandford of Austin, Texas; 10 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and several great-great grandchildren; siblings, Frank Ruiz of Grand Blanc, Linda(Pete) Ruiz, Inez Ruiz, Josie (John) Castellanos all of Austin, Texas, and Tony (Kathy) Ruiz of Memphis, TN; and many nieces and nephews. He was also preceded in death by his parents; brother, Manuel Ruiz; and sister, Angelita Aguirre. both of Austin. The family wishes to thank Jackie Casemore and the many staff members of Courtyard Manor of Swartz Creek for their loving and precious care of Cande in his final months.

A graveside service will be held 3:00 PM Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at Crestwood Memorial Cemetery in Grand Blanc. Those desiring may make contributions to Austin Wildlife Rescue or MD Anderson Cancer Center. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.