Obituary of Elizabeth M. Ruiz

Elizabeth M. Ruiz passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at Morris View HealthCare Center in Morris Township. She had shared 86 years of unconditional love, unwavering faith, and unforgettable memories with family and friends.

Born and raised in Paterson, NJ to the late Donald and Gladys Kinney, Elizabeth was the one of five children to bless their household. She began working at an early age, as many did in her generation, to help support the homestead. While working at Saint Francis Health Resort, Elizabeth met the love of her life, Edward Ruiz. They wed in Mountain Lakes, NJ and eventually settled into the Laurelton Gardens section of Brick, NJ to enjoy retirement together. When Edward passed, Elizabeth came back to North Jersey to be closer to family.

Elizabeth was a devout Catholic; she devoted over 40 years of service as a Eucharistic Minister. She had spent 10 years at Sacred Heart Church in Dover, 10 years at St. Francis Residential Community in Denville, and many years with the Wharton Seniors through St. Mary’s Church. Elizabeth was a faithful member of St. Therese Parish in Succasunna for over 10 years where she was active in the Cornerstone Sisters, among many other things. She was also a member of Sacred Heart Church Choir. Elizabeth was very gifted musically. She taught herself how to play guitar and she loved singing and dancing. She excelled at having a great time, wherever she went. She loved to celebrate the holidays! Saint Patrick’s Day held a special place in her heart, as it was her dear sisters birthday. Elizabeth was always the life of the party. She loved to play games; especially card games like Kings in the Corner and Bingo! She adored all animals, but had a special place in her heart for the small dogs. Elizabeth truly was a remarkable woman, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandma, sister, & friend. She will be sorely missed and forever treasured in our hearts and memories. Although we are deeply saddened by her passing, we take comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her beloved husband, her parents, her daughter, Gladys and son-in-law, George, and her siblings, Edward Kinney and his wife, Anna Mae, and Lois Van Seeters.

She leaves a legacy in the hearts of her adored grandchildren, Kim Mueller and her husband Ben of Succasunna and Elizabeth Wojciechowski and her husband Daniel of White Haven, PA; her cherished great-grandchildren, Gabrielle, Gianna, Mia, Christian, Bella, Riley, and Remi; her loving siblings, Thomas Kinney and his wife Judy and Donald (the late Pat) Kinney; her supportive Wyse family; her dear niece, Donna Van Seeters, and many more loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Public Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 21st from 3 - 7 pm at Norman Dean Home for Services, 16 Righter Avenue, Denville, NJ. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 22nd at 10 am at St. Therese Parish, 151 Main St, Succasunna, NJ 07876. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 58 McLean Blvd, Paterson, NJ 07513. Memorial Donations are being accepted in Elizabeth's memory to support the animals by way of www.inmemof.org to ensure receipt of your donation to either 11th Hour Rescue or St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center. Please leave a condolence, light a candle, or share your favorite memory to continue to celebrate Elizabeth's life and let her light shine.