Crescencio Ruiz

Crescencio (Chris) Castano Ruiz
Chris Ruiz passed away peacefully at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center on Thursday April 19, 2007 surrounded by family and loved ones, after 80 years of a full life.
Chris was born on September 17, 1926 in Phoenix, Arizona. This was the beginning of an adventurous, never boring live.
At 14 he ran away from a foster home to East Los Angeles, where he was reunited with his mother. He went from gang member and high school drop out to the elite 82nd Airborne Paratrooper Unit. Here he came to realize the importance of education. At 27 years of age he received his High School diploma. Then he went on to pursue a B.A. from Cal State L.A. He earned a Masters from U.S.C. and finally a PhD from Claremont College. One newspaper article fittingly summarized his educational achievement with the title "From 3rd DEGREE TO PH.D."
His teaching career took him to Arizona State University then San Jose State and finally to Brigham Young University where he taught classes and was a counselor in the Counseling & Career Center. Along the way he taught at various community colleges. While at East Los Angeles College, he started the first Mexican American Studies Dept. He spent a year in Cartagena, Colombia as Director of Colegio Jorge Washington. He was also a Social Worker in San Jose, CA for 15 years. That is where he raised his family.
Because of his past he found much reward in working with "at risk" kids. He had a great pride in his Mexican heritage and always found time to be involved and helping in the Latino community.
As a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served in many callings. His favorite was serving as the first Branch President of the East San Jose Stake Spanish Speaking Branch.
His real adventure and first love was being with his family. AHUA! We'll miss you Chris!
He is survived by his Wife, Gloria, Children: Arnold, Gregory (Donna), Danny, Luiz (Eva), Kimberly (Jed) Marshall, Chris D. (Anita), Ricardo (Alex) and Krista. He was preceded in death by his Son Ronald and Brother Manuel.
Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, April 28th at 11:00 A.M. at the Edgemont 5th Ward Chapel 2950 North 350 East (Canyon Rd.). Friends may call at the Berg Mortuary, 185 East Center St. Provo, Ut., Friday, April 27th from 6:00-9:00 P.M., as well as Saturday at the church from 9:00-10:45 A.M. prior to services. Interment East Lawn Memorial Hills. Condolences may be sent to info@bergmortuary.com