Ardell Ruiz

Ardell Augustus Ruiz, 63, of Blackwater died on Nov. 6, 2010, at Hu Hu Kam Memorial Hospital in Sacaton.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 p.m. Friday at the Governance Center in Sacaton and from 6 to 8 p.m. at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud Coolidge Chapel. The graveside service will be at 8 a.m. Saturday in North Blackwater Cemetery, with Elder Randall Ruiz officiating.
Mr. Ruiz was born on Jan. 26, 1947, in Sacaton, the oldest boy of Clement R. and Stella Matthews Ruiz. He grew up in Blackwater and attended school there and in Coolidge. He graduated from Coolidge High School and participated in football, basketball and FFA. During his senior year he was chosen to tour with the Up With People singing group. He was involved for about four years and visited many countries.
He later attended Eastern Arizona College. He also served in the Army as a Ranger. He worked for the Gila River Indian Community in various capacities including community manager. He made many contributions for the betterment of his family and community.
Survivors include a daughter, Renee Ruiz of Arizona; two brothers, Eric Matthews of Blackwater and Randall Ruiz of Maricopa Colony; and four sisters, Lawanda McBroom, Blodwin Curran and Yolanda Wilson, all of Blackwater, and Rhonda Ruiz of Sacaton.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Berlinda Ruiz, and a sister, Stella Ruiz.