Criselda Castillo Ruiz

Our beloved Criselda "Cris" Castillo Ruiz entered peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior on July 23, 2026, at the age of 46. While our hearts will forever miss her, we are comforted by the faith that carried her throughout her life and by the promise that she is now healed and at peace. Cris was a devoted wife to her beloved husband, Juan Marcelo Ruiz Jr., and a loving, selfless mother to her precious son, Isaias Marcelo Ruiz, who was the greatest joy of her life. Her family meant everything to her, and she made sure those she loved never questioned how important they were. Whether through her words, her prayers, or simply showing up, she had a way of making every person feel valued, celebrated, and deeply loved. She was a beloved daughter, aunt, niece, cousin, friend, educator, and a woman of faith. To know Cris was to experience genuine kindness, unwavering compassion, and a joyful spirit that drew people to her. She had a remarkable gift for making others feel seen, welcomed, and loved. Her faith was the foundation of her life. Even throughout her courageous battle with cancer, she never allowed her illness to define her or dim her joy. Instead, she continued trusting God, choosing hope over fear, and encouraging those around her to do the same. Her strength was believing God would faithfully carry her through every season and she reminded everyone to live life to the fullest, as she did every day. One of the greatest gifts Cris gave to those she loved was her presence. No matter how difficult her treatments became or how she was feeling, she made every effort to be there for the people who mattered most. You could always count on Cris to show up. She was the first to remember birthdays, send thoughtful birthday wishes, and celebrate the milestones—big and small—in the lives of her family and friends. She never missed an opportunity to take pictures with the people she loved, knowing those moments would one day become treasured memories. She wanted everyone in her life to know they were important, and she made sure they felt celebrated, supported, and deeply loved. Even during her battle with cancer, she continued to put others first, choosing to be present whenever she could because loving people well was simply who she was. She especially adored her nieces and nephews. She celebrated their accomplishments, encouraged their dreams, prayed for them often, and loved each one as if they were her own. Being "Tia Cris" was one of her greatest joys. For more than twenty years, Cris faithfully served as an elementary school teacher with Houston Independent School District. Teaching was more than her profession—it was her calling. She loved her students, her Lyons Elementary family, and the community she served with all her heart. She believed in every child who walked into her classroom and worked tirelessly to help them succeed. Even while undergoing treatments and facing the unimaginable side effects and challenges of cancer, Cris continued teaching because she loved her students and school family so deeply. She was incredibly grateful for the administrators, colleagues, friends, students, parents, and the entire Lyons community who walked beside her throughout her illness. Their prayers, encouragement, and unwavering support meant more to her than words could ever express, and she carried that love with her every day. Cris had the heart of a servant. Whether someone needed encouragement, prayer, a listening ear, or simply someone to stand beside them, she was always there. She loved others as God calls us to love—with humility, generosity, and without expecting anything in return. Our family is deeply grateful for the countless prayers, meals, visits, phone calls, and acts of kindness shown throughout Cris's journey. Every prayer, every visit, every message, and every expression of love reminded her that she was surrounded by a community who cared for her so deeply. Though our hearts ache, we find peace in knowing that Cris is healed, free from pain, and resting in the presence of her Savior. We also rejoice knowing she has been reunited with her beloved mother, whom she loved and missed dearly. Cris was preceded in death by her mother, Dora Elia Castillo Rios. She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Juan Ruiz; her beloved son, Isaias Ruiz; her father, Alberto Castillo, his spouse Marivel; her sisters, Claudia Castillo Del Villar and Yuridia Castillo Hernandez; her brother, Alberto Castillo Jr.; her sister in law Judy; her brothers in law, Sandro and Juan Jose ‘JJ’; her nieces, Dora and Luz; her nephews, Sandro Jr., Sebastian, Nicholas, Lazaro, Cruz, Mateo, Eliazar, and Tadeo; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, colleagues, former students, and all whose lives were forever blessed by knowing her. Cris's memory is measured by the countless lives she touched through her faith, kindness, generosity, and unconditional love. She taught us to love deeply, to serve others selflessly, to trust God in every season, and to never miss an opportunity to show up for the people we love. Though we grieve today, we hold tightly to the promise that this is not goodbye—it is simply until we meet again. "Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Lord." Matthew 25:23 Rest peacefully, our beloved Cris. Thank you for showing us what it means to live with unwavering faith, love without limits, and find joy in every moment. Your beautiful spirit will forever remain in our hearts.

Criselda Castillo Ruiz

December 5, 1979 - July 23, 2026