Shirley Ruiz

Shirley D. Ruiz passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at the age of 92. Shirley was born on May 28, 1931, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to Albert and Hellene Alexander, nee Price. Shirley was originally named Donna Jean, but with the arrival of Shirley Temple on the silver screen, her mother changed her name to Shirley D’Jeanne. Shirley entered and won many child beauty pageants and was named the “most beautiful baby” more than once. She was very talented in the arts and became a noted singer and dancer, and even taught ballroom dancing at the Arthur Murray Dance School in the early 1950s. Shirley wore many professional hats during her lifetime, including accountant, bookkeeper, typist, and even a radio host for a homemaking program for local stations, KCOL and KIIX. In her later years, she was at ease in front of a computer and took great joy in typing and editing the books of her close friend and pastor. In 1968, Shirley married Richard Ruiz, the love of her life. It’s impossible to talk about Shirley without including Richard. They were an unexpected but ideal couple. While Richard was easy-going and traditional, Shirley was a fiery redhead and always on the move, her hands busy sewing, crocheting, knitting, or completing a puzzle. In retirement, they were fond of traveling, entertaining friends, and cheering on the Broncos. Energetic, funny, and generous, Shirley was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who anchored her family and will be greatly missed. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; adopted father, Walter Bohler; sisters: Beverley and Pauline; son, Michael; and loving husband of 46 years, Richard. Shirley is survived by her two daughters, Layne and Lorrie; grandchildren, Alexandra (Jeff), Lenelle, Zeki, and Benette; and great-granddaughter, Ashton. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the organization of your choice in Shirley’s memory. A special thank you to the staff of Pathways and Columbine West Health and Rehabilitation who loved and cared for Shirley in her final months.