Obituaries

Raoul Antonio Ruiz (Mijo), 39, of Madison, passed away unexpectedly in an intensive care unit in San Antonio Texas, on November 20th, 2024, at 3:30 p.m., in the loving presence of his family.

Raoul was born on November 5th, 1985, in Madison WI, to Delia Martinez and Raul A. Ruiz. Raoul was the youngest of nine children, he grew up in Waupun WI. In 2003, he graduated high school, and in 2013 he graduated with an associate’s degree in Fire Prevention. He bartended at many different places in Madison, where he met a lot of his friends. In 2022, he moved to San Antonio Texas, to help with his grandparents.

Raoul was a man of remarkable gifts. His love for sports, both playing and cheering on his favorite teams, the San Antonio Spurs and the Dallas Cowboys. He loved being with his family and friends, and he specifically loved making people laugh with his jokes. He had an infectious smile that could light up any room. Raoul made life better simply by being a part of it. He gave the biggest, most beautiful hug anyone could ask for. A devoted son and a friend to so many, Raoul had a natural charm that drew people to him. Handsome, cool, and endlessly fun, he had a way of making every moment special.

Raoul is survived by his mother, Delia Martinez, his father, Raul Ruiz; five sisters, Celestina Jackson, Lyndie Tourville, Frankie Ruiz, Ofelia (Kent) Welsch, Maricia Ruiz, Leticia Ruiz; two brothers, Grabiel (Karen) Ruiz, and Cristo (Shannon) Ruiz; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Raoul was preceded in death by his grandfather, Juan G. Martinez, his grandmothers, Carolina Martinez and Maria A. Ruiz, and his childhood best friend, Ben Gleason.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N Sherman Ave, Madison. A visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the funeral home.