Deborah "Debi" Ann Ruiz

Debi passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on January 14, 2022. She is preceded in death by her parents, Ezekiel "Ace" and Maria "Rita" Zepeda, her sister, Sylvia Mendoza and her brother, Ezekiel Jr.

Debi was born and raised in Bakersfield, California. She attended Mt. Vernon Elementary, Sierra Jr. High and East Bakersfield High School.

In her early years you could find Debi hanging out with her cousins and friends, listening to music and dancing. Taking a cruise around the parks was another favorite past time. It was during one of those times in 1976, Debi met Gilbert "Gigi" Ruiz. They fell in love and later married. During their 46 years together, they had two boys, Gilbert "Gilly" and Erick. Their boys went on to bless their parents with six beautiful grandchildren.

In 1989, Debi gave herself to the Lord. During her spiritual journey, she began to understand the importance of trusting and believing in the Lord and the power of prayer. She prayed daily, not only for herself, but for everyone she loved.

Family was an important part of Debi's life. She was a loving, supportive wife and mother. Being available and present for her boys was important. She enjoyed volunteering in their classroom when she could. Debi made sure her boys kept busy in sports. She was their biggest cheerleader. Every weekend was usually filled with something to do. If it wasn't sports with the boys it was a birthday party, a BBQ or some family event. There was always something going on. Debi also looked forward to the holidays, especially Halloween, it was her favorite. She loved to dress up with the kids.

Day trips were another favorite of hers. Anytime she had the itch to go somewhere and get away for the day, she would pack up the kids and head out. Magic Mountain was her go to or she would try a new water park. She just liked to have fun.

Debi was not fancy, she lived a simple life. She loved Jesus and looked forward to going to church on Sundays. She was not afraid of change and was always game to try something new. That included her hair styles, clothing and food. Debi loved her some Nagi's Burgers and her sweets. She looked forward to watching her L.A. Rams and Dodgers on T.V. She especially liked going to the games with her family.

She enjoyed a good car ride with good music. "Turn it up!" is what she would say, while snapping her fingers and doing her dance.

Throughout her life Debi worked in several industries. She had a sweet voice and way about her. She was a helper and when she entered the funeral business, it was a perfect fit because she worked well with people. For over 20 years Debi dedicated herself to the industry, working for multiple companies until her health no longer allowed her to continue. She never let a bad situation get her down. She was a fighter and left it in God's hands to get her through.

Despite all the obstacles in life, Debi managed to maintain a great relationship with her boys, her family, especially her siblings. Even though she was a boy Mom, she held special relationships with her Granddaughters and Nieces. She was easy to talk to, a great listener and had a comforting voice full of advice.

Debi always reminded you to keep praying, have faith and to leave it all in God's hands because things will get better. She never dwelled on her wants and was grateful for what she had. She was rich with love, especially when it came to her grandchildren. They were her biggest joy and she loved them with all her heart. Nana Debi was there for all the games, even on those hot summer days. She never missed a milestone, a birthday party or a holiday. Her grandbabies were all special in their own way and she was blessed to have a great bond with each one. She also shared a special bond with her great nephew, Elijah.

Debi will be forever loved and deeply missed. We will never forget her beautiful smile, contagious laugh and that sweet voice of hers. We will miss hearing her reminisce about those cruising days when a good oldie comes on and watching her dance to her favorite jam.

Debi pushed through many difficult things during her lifetime, but through it all she remained faithful, loyal and strong, not just for her family, but spiritually with God.

We will forever be grateful for the time we had with you here, for the unconditional love you showed us and for the powerful prayers of protection you prayed for us all.

Thank you Mom for being a beautiful example of faith to us and our children. We love you forever and always!

Debi is survived by her loving husband, Gigi, son, Gilly, daughter-in-law, Nicole, son Erick and daughter-in-law, Elvia.

Her grandchildren, Michael, Jalissa, Johnny, Joseph "Boo-Boo", Elahni and Elicia, along with her great-grandson, Michael.

Debi also leaves behind her two brothers, Art and Orlando and her sister-in-law, Cruz.

She had many nieces and nephews who loved her very much and will miss their Tia Debi.

A memorial service will be held on Friday January 28, 2022 at Basham Funeral Care Chapel (3312 Niles Street) at 2:00 p.m.