Betty Jane Ruelas

HIDDEN VALLEY - Betty Jane Ruelas, 76, of Hidden Valley died on Feb. 8, 2015, at her daughter’s home in Coolidge.

The family is holding a private memorial service at the home of her daughter, Patricia Vasquez, in Coolidge at 2 p.m. on Feb. 21.

Mrs. Ruelas was born on July 10, 1938, in Michigan City, Indiana, to Clifford W. Russell and Goldie J. Baker. She married her first husband, Paul Murphy, on Sept. 10, 1956, while living in Chicago. She moved in 1964 to Phoenix, where she raised five children. After her husband’s death, she moved to Hidden Valley in 1977. In 1979, she married Jerry Ruelas, her husband of 36 years.

She enjoyed ceramics as a hobby and also loved spending time with her dogs and her aviary containing many species of birds, including cockatiels, cockatoos, parrots, lovebirds and peacocks.

In addition to her husband, survivors include three sons, Donald L. Murphy of Irving, Texas, Ronald P. Murphy of St. Johns and Bryan S. Murphy of Peoria, Arizona; a daughter, Patricia A. Vasquez of Coolidge; four sisters, Janice Mabey of Casa Grande, Lilian Riley of Sun City, Mary Tosh and Kathryn Russell of Hidden Valley; 10 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her first husband; a brother, William Russell; and a son, William L. Murphy.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.