Mary Helen Ruiz

Mary Helen "Nana" Ruiz On September 12,1943, Daniel and Griselda Ybarra welcomed Mary Helen Ybarra to this world. Along with her eight siblings she was raised with a love of god and family. Mary Helen grew to have a love for dancing, mariachi’s, crochet, and a stiff margarita. In 1961 she met her life-long partner Juan E. Ruiz and together they welcomed seven children into their hearts. Even with all the love she had for her family she still made room for so many others. For 32 years she worked as a teacher at Santa Cruz Valley Union High School. During which time her students went from addressing her as "Ms. Gris" to affectionately calling her "Nana". Always an active member of her community as a teacher and an avid cursillista of St. Helen’s of the cross she was a familiar friendly face to all. At home, Mary Helen could be found tending to her orchard, crocheting her next project, or cooking enough food to feed an army. But as we all know nothing stays the same forever. On January 7, 2021 Mary Helen was called to a greater home joining her siblings Emilio, Manuel, Antonio, Felicita, Martha, Rita, Maria Cecilia, Margaret, a daughter Juanita, her parents, and two grandsons. She is survived by Juan, six children Albert, Samuel, Gabino (sp. Ruth), Andrew, Priscilla (sp. Abram), and Leticia (sp. Raymond). As well as 21 grandchildren, 39 great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren all blessed to have had her in their lives and who will miss her dearly. While the Funeral will be a closed event there will be a Wake/Rosary on Wednesday January 20, 2021 from 4PM-6PM at J.Warren Funeral Home in Eloy, AZ. Social distancing guidelines will be followed, and masks will be required. On Thursday January 21st those who wish to attend are welcome to be graveside at Eloy Cemetery following 10AM funeral services and adhering to social distancing guidelines. Masks will be required at all times. If you wish to make a donation, please contact J.Warren Funeral Home.