Emily Ruiz Temple

1936 - 2020

Emily Ruiz Temple
January 8, 1936 - April 26, 2020
La mesa
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Emily Ruiz Temple on April 26, 2020. She was born in Imperial, CA on January 8, 1936. She grew up in El Centro, CA and attended Central Union High School.With the help of her loving and supportive family, including her parents, brother Robert, and sister Dolores, Emily worked hard and graduated from San Diego State University, where she obtained her bachelor's degree in education.She went on to earn a Master's degreeand finally, she attended Northern Arizona University, where she completed all but her dissertation as part of their doctoralprogram. Here, she displayed one of her many selfless acts, opting to devote herself full time to her work as a Reading Specialist, and elementary school teacher as well as wife and mother to three teen-aged children. Emily worked tirelessly as an educator and advocate for children as a part of many school districts, including Poway, National City, and Chula Vista. She loved gardening, painting, reading, and a good cup of tea.To say that she will be missed is, of course, an understatement. If you were lucky enough to be related to her, you knew of her complete devotion to family, especially to her role as wise grandmother and mentor to her children. Her own achievements went on to inspire her children to achieve their own successes, in terms of their devotion to family, careers, and each other. If you were lucky enough to know her and be called a friend, then you may have benefitted from her wise counsel and deeply caring nature. She did not know how to do anything partially, and would work tirelessly for the benefit of those that she bestowed her kindness. Her generosity was boundless - we are still finding ways that she has given to all of us, most especially with regard to the beautiful memories of wonderful times we were lucky enough to share with her.Emily is preceded in death by her parents, Martina and Manuel Ruiz, brothers Gabriel and Armando Ruiz, and sister Dolores Meyer. She is survived by her brothers, Robert Ruiz, and Gonzalo Ruiz, her cousin Gaye (Gutierrez) Edinger, her former husband, friend and confidant, Thomas Temple, her sons, Mark Temple (Julie), William Temple (Diana), and her daughter Andrea. Emily's grandchildren Tommy, Billy, Brandy, Roman, Evie, Tim, Drew, and Lexi will miss her loving embrace and special attention. She is also survived by her niece, who was more like a daughter to her, Linda Diane Lingley, her husband Steve, and their children Allison and Eric. She has so many other wonderful relatives, too lengthy to list here, but all are adored and treasured by her and the surviving family.Memorial Donations on behalf of Emily Temple can be made tohttps://www.lymedisease.org/donate/