Esther Guajardo "Cookie" Ruiz

Esther Guajardo "Cookie" Ruiz

Esther Ruiz Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers from Apr. 15 to Apr. 18, 2008.
With her family by her side, Esther "Cookie" Guajardo Ruiz, age 52, of Brewster, died at the University of Washington Hospital in Seattle on Thursday, April 3, 2008, after a courageous, but short battle with cancer. Esther was born to Pime Burriel on February 21, 1955, in Los Banos, CA. She graduated from Roosevelt High School in Fresno, CA. She then attended three years at Fresno City College. She moved to Washington in 1983, and started working for the Brewster School District in August of 1986. She began her career as a Para educator in the migrant program, was later the Migrant Records Clerk and was currently, the Elementary School Office Secretary. In 1996, she was honored by winning the Classified Excellence Award for the school district and was also chosen to receive the Washington State Excellence Christa McAuliffe Award, which was presented to her in Olympia. There were five things that she notably loved: Brewster Bears (Go Bears!), Seattle Mariners (Go Mariners!), her 1996 Nissan Maxima, her dogs, Teegan and Gus, and finally, her family, who were the most important of all. She was an avid seamstress; many community members benefited from her craft. She is survived by her husband, Marcos Ruiz of Bridgeport; and their children, Marcos Ruiz Jr. and wife, Misty of Brewster, Anthony Ruiz and girlfriend, Janelle of Spokane, Ray Ruiz and girlfriend, Amber of Wenatchee, Sonia Ruiz of Bridgeport and Josefina Ruiz of Brewster/Bridgeport. She is also survived by her mother, Pime Burriel of Fresno, CA; stepfather, Charles P. Guana of Fresno, CA; sisters, Diane Aznar of Parlier, CA, Teri Orozco and Veronica Villegas, both of Fresno, CA; and brothers, Daniel Burriel of Athens, Greece and Louie Burriel of Fresno, CA; grandchildren, Marcos Ruiz III, Damian Ruiz, Joey Guerricabeitia, Maya Ruiz and Braydon Ruiz; nieces, Lisa Cooper and son, Matthew of Parlier CA, Felicia Herrera and son, Benny of Fresno, CA. Finally, she will be remembered and treasured by countless staff and students, who walked through the "Doors" of the Brewster Elementary School for the last 22 years. She made an everlasting impact on many children and families in this community and will be greatly missed. The family has requested, in lieu of flowers, that donations be made to an account at Sterling Savings in Brewster. They are planning to use this money for an educational scholarship in Esther's memory. There will be a Service of Tribute on Saturday, April 19, 2008, at 1:00 p.m. in the large gym at Brewster High School. A potluck dinner will follow in the commons area. The family would like to encourage you to stay and visit with them.

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May 19, 2008

Damian Ruiz posted to the memorial.

April 21, 2008

Margo Peck posted to the memorial.

April 19, 2008

Norma Brooks posted to the memorial.

24 Entries

Damian Ruiz

May 19, 2008

Dearly grandmother
I miss you so very much the greatest memory is when we went to california in summer 07' you will live in my heart. I'll see you in heaven when we meet again

Margo Peck

April 21, 2008

Dear Esther:

Like all of us, caught off guard by the suddenness of your passing, I to wish I had been able to say good-bye. Like my own mom, your life on earth was much too short. I will always cherish the memories I have of working with you for the past 13-years. You would always jump-up and run get the things I need, or demanded; find what apparently had disappeared, make a quick call to check on information, or give us a little advice about what wasn’t needed. I was always amazed about how you could remember all the students’ names, the parents’ names, their kids’ names, and their grandkids’ names. You spoiled us all at parent conference times, with your scheduling wizardry and then you would get out those million piece puzzles and challenge us to help you.

I taught both your grandsons, Marcos and Damian, in third grade. At times they were a challenge, both in their own unique ways. When school began each fall, I would ask the incoming students to write a paragraph about what they did during their summer vacation. Both boys were part of a select few students that enjoyed this first writing assignment. After the students were done writing, I would hang their work in the hall for others to read. I remember how happy it made you to read about what Marcos and Damian chose to write about from their summers. They shared their summertime adventures with you. They would write about camping with Grandma and all their new experiences. They would write about Grandma driving them to California to meet other relatives and see other places. “Even though we teach our children all the same, they all turn out so different.”

One summer I travelled to New Orleans and when I returned I brought you back a voodoo doll. I remember how you grabbed that doll and immediately began rapidly sticking pins in it. We laughed. That fall, whenever I came into the office you would get that voodoo doll out. We had some good laughs especially when you would hand it back to me to stick a few times!

Yes, Esther, I will remember your advice … wherever we travel in the world, no matter what the kids complain about, or what phase of life they are in … “you still need to have Christmas.” Thank you for being part of my life.

Norma Brooks

April 19, 2008

Ester will be sorely missed in the Brewster community and school. Her warmth and genuine care showed in all that she did and with all that knew her.

I hope to see her again at the end of my walk in this life.

John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

Courtney Reynolds

April 19, 2008

Six years ago I had the privilage of meeting Esther. I was scared of her at first. I didn't want to ask for anything. As the years went by I got to know her better. I have to say I am glad I did. As I sat throught her tribute today, I realized she had been with the school since I was in Kindergarten. I will miss her warm smile and her genuine laugh. The last time I saw Esther her eyes lit up and she had a great big smile. She said to me, "Courtney, I miss seeing you." This year I moved across the street to the High School. It was nice to hear from her and know that she noticed I was not there. She will be missed.

Josh Johnson

April 18, 2008

Death of a Beloved Friend

What happens when someone dies?

do you forget about them? do you mourne for them?

whenever someone close to me dies i sit down and take a look at the short life christ has given me....

and as i sit there, i think to myself, "My time is coming...."

Words from a verse flow through my mind like a fountain of pain and suffering....

"Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked will i depart. The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, may the name of the Lord be praised." (Job)

my emotions then come forth like a flowing river bursting forth in a stream of anger, pain, and sadness......

why? why does christ take them away?

Because its their time. Their time to come home.

when im near my last breath, and i see the pearly gates open up to me with Christ and his outstreached hand, I will hear him say,"Come home son, welcome home my son."



In Loving Memory of Esther Ruiz April 4, 2008

G. Mel and Gale Broughton

April 18, 2008

We wish to express our sympathy to Esther's family, many of whom I have known well,
Gale Broughton
Esther became a better friend during our frequent conversations while she arranged for substitute teachers. Her calls often came while we were traveling, Gale at the wheel. According to Esther, I became, "Gale's Secretary". Esther furnished me with a school calendar so I could record information while in the car. We shared many laughs due to these circumstances.
This was an example of Esther's sense of humor, dedication and friendly efficiency on her job as secretary at Brewster Elementary School.
"Gale's Secretary",

Greg Austin

April 18, 2008

To Marcos and Family
My memories of Esther go back to my first year here at Brewster when she took control of our pre game meals for the kids. Along with April, Esther organized the dinners without hesitation and always out did herself, and I was for ever thankful for that.
I believe Esther and I were the only ones who stuck by the Mariners through thick and thin. When I taught summer school, my day always started with Esther talking about the game the night before.
I have had the opportunity to teach and coach her children and they like her are good people and I know that is the direct result of the way Esther and Marcos raised them.
Thanks for all the memories and prayers to Marcos, Sonia, Marcos, Anthony, Ray and Josefina

Ray Ruiz

April 17, 2008

I miss you so much. I know that you will always be watching over me just like you did when you were here. I hope someday I can be as strong of a person as you. I love you Mom.

Misty Ruiz

April 17, 2008

Mingo,
Thank you so much for all you have given me. I have an incredibly supportive husband, a beautiful daughter, and two wonderful stepsons. I can see little pieces of you in each of them. You have taught me so much about life and shown me what is truly important. If I become a fraction of the wife, mother, and grandmother you are I will be very lucky. You will live on in our hearts and minds forever.

I Love You

Joyce Stevens

April 17, 2008

Esther was always upbeat and supportive to all of the staff and students at Brewster Elementary School. She was a lovely person, who is greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers go to her family at this difficult time.

Shanda Mendez

April 17, 2008

We will miss you Ester! but you remain in our hearts,memories, and prayers.Every time we walk in the doubble doors of the school,your smile will be in our memories for ever.our thoughts and prayers our with your family.Thank-you for being a part of our lives. shanda,junior,maribel and michel.

Desha Dawson

April 17, 2008

Marcos and Family: I will miss Esther so very much.. but I know her memory will live on forever, as there is a piece of her in all of you. You are all in my prayers.

Bev Weddle

April 17, 2008

Esther, You will always be in my heart. Thank you for being a friend, confidante, and colleague. Your impact on students, staff, and friends will be felt for many years. I will cherish our chats about husbands, kids, grandkids, and the politics of education. I miss your sparkly eyes and your special giggle. Thank you for your bits of wisdom and your example of weathering the storms of life. You are my hero. From your forever friend, "Wevver"

Bill Haley

April 17, 2008

Esther, thanks for taking the helm of all those football pregame dinners. You cook up a storm and organize a great meal. I will miss you greatly and know that you will be taking care of getting us all organized when we get to heaven. Thanks, for all you have done. I LOVE YOU..... and your family.

Patricia Shelton

April 17, 2008

Esther I will miss you. I loved hearing you laugh, making you laugh, and having you cause me to laugh. You were such a joy. I am honored to have known you.

David Michel

April 16, 2008

Esther was always there for her kids and husband, and it showed in their love for her. I will always cherish my memories of her in the time that I knew her.

Phillips Karla

April 16, 2008

I wish I would have taken more time during my seemingly busy day to really talk. I wish especially I could have said good-bye. But I think Esther knew how I valued her, not just as a co-worker, but also as a friend. Most of the time it doesn't seem real that she's not here with us in body anymore but when it does seem real I REALLY miss her! I'm thankful for all the memories from my first year in Brewster (Ryne and Ray were first grade buds) until just a few weeks before she died when she called me on the phone and I was playing the piano when Randy answered and she told me to keep playing so she could listen.

To Esther's kids and grandkids, NOTHING on this earth was more important to her than YOU!

Sue Robinette-Maitland

April 16, 2008

Esther, you are the greatest friend. I will miss your warm smile and sparkling personality everyday. You definitely have earned your wings. Keep an eye on us. Love you forever.

Mark Wegner

April 16, 2008

I worked with Esther for one year as the Brewster Elementary Principal. What a super lady! I will cherish fond memories of sipping homebrew together (off work of course), her sharing her Mexican food with me during lunches, her watching our 1st child while our 2nd child was born, her ever present humor and work ethic. You will be missed greatly! With love, Mark Wegner

Pam Johnson

April 16, 2008

I miss your smile and words of wisdom to get me back on track! My thoughts and prayers are with family!

April Haley

April 16, 2008

My dear, sweet friend - I miss you so much. My life is richer for knowing you. I'm confident you are in Heaven, teaching the angels to make Chicken Mole'.

Marcos Ruiz

April 16, 2008

I miss you but it brings great comfort to know you are still with us at all times. I love You

GINA LOPEZ-MEDINA

April 15, 2008

Our family send our condolences to the family of Ester Ruiz, We have not seen here in years but always remember her wonderful smile. Our prayers are with you.

Sonia Ruiz

April 15, 2008

I will miss you but it is comforting to know that you will always be in my heart!

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Sign Esther Ruiz's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

May 19, 2008

Damian Ruiz posted to the memorial.

April 21, 2008

Margo Peck posted to the memorial.

April 19, 2008

Norma Brooks posted to the memorial.