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Malia Ruiz Obituary
Malia Rose Ruiz, age 10, of Lafayette, died at 7:20 a.m. Saturday, April 27, 2013 at Riley Children's Hospital in Indianapolis surrounded by her family. Her death resulted from complications with Alagilles Syndrome which she has had since birth. Malia was born in Lafayette on December 27, 2002 to her father, Nicholas Ruiz, and her mother, Ryan Hall. Malia was in third grade at Mayflower Mill Elementary School and being able to attend school brought great joy to Malia's life. Malia looked forward to the family's annual trips to Holiday World. Between swimming, the rides, and the golf cart, all kept her smiling and laughing the entire stay.
Surviving with her parents, Nicholas and Ryan, are her four year old sister, Lily Rose Ruiz, maternal grandmother, Jan Early, of Lafayette, paternal grandparents, Tina Downs of Crawfordsville, Greg Helm of Linden, and Alvino Ruiz Jr. (wife Julie) of Loves Park, Illinois, and maternal great-grandmother, Marjorie Moyer of Fort Wayne, IN. Malia is also survived by her Uncle Preston Hall of Lafayette, Aunt Reachel Salinas and Aunt Ali Salinas, both of Crawfordsville. Malia had many extended family members in the Lafayette and surrounding area who loved her dearly. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Elmer Hall Jr., of Lafayette, great grandfather, Herman Moyer of Fort Wayne, IN (whom she had shared a "Special Bond" with), and paternal great-grandmother, Mary Downs.
Although Malia was an angel sent to us for only a short period of time, the love and joy she gave to all who met her was immeasurable. Her sheer determination to overcome any obstacle put before her was an inspiration to all. Her love and laughter will be with us forever in our hearts.
Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Tuesday at Hippensteel Funeral Home. Funeral services 1 p.m. Wednesday in Hippensteel Chapel with Celebrant Carla Ellis officiating. Burial to follow at Spring Vale Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Riley Hospital for Children, 705 Riley Hospital Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46202 or the Alagille Syndrome Alliance by making a contribution online. Hippensteel Funeral Home entrusted with care. Share memories and condolences online at www.hippensteelfuneralservice.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Malia Ruiz
Dartanion Sutton
May 1, 2013
My Thoughts & Prayers go out to Ryan, Jan and the entire family. May God Bless you all and guide you through this time of mourning.
Jeff Downey
May 1, 2013
My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family, and all of Malia's friends. Stay strong.
Rachelle scott
May 1, 2013
I will miss you very much and I will keep u in my prays
April 30, 2013
Thoughts and Prayers, may God be with you in your time of grief.
Laura Evans
April 30, 2013
My heart goes out to you Jan & your family. I will always remember her as that sweet little angel. God be with you & family.
lou fox
April 30, 2013
jan my sympathy and prayers go out to you and your family
lou fox
April 30, 2013
jan my deepest sympathy to you and your family you are in my thoughts and prayers
Cheryl Biddle/Alford
April 30, 2013
We will never forget Malia, her smile, her laugh, and how she touched each and everyone of us who had the pleasure in knowing her! Now she will fly with the angels and her spirit be free!
Amelia Strong
April 29, 2013
Ryan and family,
I am so thankful to have been a part of your and malia's life this past year or so. Malia's sass and feistiness always brought a smile to my face. I was always giggling going out your door. I loved going to pick out prizes for her...always trying to think...hmmm, what lipgloss or polish would she like next? She will always be a huge part of my heart. Hugs to you, Lilly, and your mom. If you guys need or want anything at all - I'm always here. Xoxo
Michelle Watkins
April 29, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with you Ryan in this most difficult time!!!
Cheryl Champagne
April 29, 2013
Ryan, Jan, and family: Deepest sympathies for you and the entire family at this time. I so loved hearing about Malia's adventures from Jan at work. May God bless you and comfort you at this time. Prayers for you all.
Kristin Taylor
April 29, 2013
Ryan, you may not remember me, but I was an MA at Malias' pediatricians office when she was born until she was about 2. She had such an impact on me, and I have never forgotten her, or you, or your mom. I always remember thinking how strong you were and how lucky Malia was to have such caring parents and grandma. Even after going back to school to be a nurse, I always would think about Malia and prayed for her often. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
Tracy Trice
April 29, 2013
I am so blessed that I was able to get to know Malia and her wonderful family and that I was lucky to be one of Malia's teachers. She always made me smile.
April 29, 2013
Tina and Ali,
We're very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tony, Jackie & Torrie Ward
Summer 2006 in Fort Wayne
Margaret Chu-Moyer
April 29, 2013
Malia, we love you!
Rest in peace little angel.
-from your Moyer cousins.
Jessica Thomas
April 29, 2013
God recieved a wonderful little girl on April 27,2013
Jessica Thomas
April 29, 2013
God recieved a wonderful little girl on April 27,2013
Brad and Lori Wesley
April 29, 2013
Our condolences and prayers go out to you and your family. She is a beautiful little angel.
April 29, 2013
My daughter and I were blessed to meet Malia last summer at vacation bible school at Crestview Church. What a sweet girl and inspiration she was! My daughter just commented the other day how she hoped Malia would be back at VBS this year. My prayers are with you. May you always know you have one more guardian angel watching over you.
April 29, 2013
Ryan,
I'm so sorry. Malia was a joy and always had a smile. I enjoyed taking care of her at day care. Will be praying for you and your family
B
April 29, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers all with all of you. Love Cindy an Andy Dill
Anna Wells, Home and IU ER
April 29, 2013
Malia's beautiful smile will be missed so very much. Her strength and courage was a lesson to all who knew her.
April 29, 2013
Rest in peace little angel.
Annie Edwards
April 28, 2013
Ryan- your daughter brought so much joy to so many people! I pray in time you and your family find peace..... I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Hippensteel Funeral Home, Inc.
April 29, 2013
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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