Frank Villa "Poncho" Ruiz

FRANK VILLA RUIZ "Poncho"

Frank Villa Ruiz was born on October 6, 1919, in Los Angeles, CA, to Costancio and Francisa Villa Ruiz, one of 11 children. His parents relocated their family to Hanford, CA. At a very young age he developed a love of dancing during the Big Band Era. He created a new style of the Jitter Bug and traveled up and down the state of California entering and winning most of the dance competitions. He earned the name of "The Jitterbug King of the San Joaquin Valley". At the age of 23 he was inducted into the United States Army to serve his country and he completed his boot camp training at Camp White Oregon. He received his Honorable Discharge from the 361st Infantry on February 3, 1943. In his late teens and early twenties he took an interest in amateur boxing. Frank boxed Sugar Ray Robinson and gave him a run for his money. In 1938, while attending a dance, there was a certain lady who caught his eye and he fell head over heels, and later married her in October of 1943. Frank and Emily had eight children, five sons and three daughters. Frank was employed by Kingsburg Cotton Oil for 14 years and he held a seasonal job with Del Monte Cannery. He retired as a full time employee for Del Monte in 1984. His favorite past times were fishing, watching sports, and he was a dedicated Raiders fan. Frank always had a love for gambling and he mastered the slot machines at all the valley casinos. Frank spent his last morning at a local casino where he finished a winner. Preceding him in death are his son, David Ruiz; grandson, Frank Davenport; granddaughter-in-law, Melanie Beasley; great-granddaughter, Samantha Beasley; four brothers, Saints, Eddie, Manuel, and Henry Ruiz; and two sisters, Connie V. Montez and Carrie V. Young. Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Emily P. Ruiz; seven children, Jeannette DeMay, Diane Jones, Frank Ruiz, Jr., Harold Ruiz, Dee Dee Ruiz, Stanley Ruiz, and Richie Ruiz; 21 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, one brother, Gomie V. Ruiz; and three sisters, Inez V. Mourett, Angie V. Hernandez, and Alice V. Trujillo. Frank has gone home to be with the Lord and he will be greatly missed by family and friends who are left behind. They all know that there are other loved ones who are waiting for him in heaven. Visitation will be held at Creighton Memorial Chapel on Thursday, August 19, 2004, from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m., followed by Recitation of the Rosary at Holy Family Catholic Church at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Family Cath- olic Church on Friday, August 20, 2004, at 10:00 a.m. Creighton Memorial ChapelKingsburg (559)897-2908www.creightonchapel.com