Sue Marilyn Ruiz

Sue Brown Ruiz

December 2, 1931 - October 8, 2026

Sue Brown Ruiz, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, educator, and lifelong champion of women and girls, passed away three weeks after the death of her husband of more than 71 years, Joe Ruiz.

Their long and loving partnership came to a close as it had been lived—side by side, rooted in family.

Sue graduated from Michigan State University and married the love of her life, Joe. Together they built a life centered on family and friends.

Evenings were spent on the front porch with cherished neighbors, watching their children play in the yard. Weekends often found them playing cards at the VFW, and summers were spent at the lake with the kids.

In retirement they enjoyed weekend golf trips with friends and winters down south hosting family. Most of all, they treasured time together with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren at the lake in the Irish Hills.

While raising their four children, Sue worked full-time as an elementary school teacher in Lincoln Park. Determined to continue growing as an educator, she attended night school and earned a Master’s degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University. She was an active member of the bridge club and enjoyed an avid social life. Sue was deeply involved with PEO, serving as chapter President and working to empower women and girls through scholarships. The family freezer was always well stocked with pecans from the P.E.O. fundraisers—a small but lasting reminder of her giving heart.

In her later years she became a voracious reader who loved completing her crossword puzzles and cherished her time at the lake. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose generosity and steady force became the foundation we all counted on.

While Joe was the heart of the family, Sue was our CEO. She led with generosity, practical wisdom, and a firm but loving force that kept everyone grounded and cared for. Her strength unmistakable—she set the standard, and gave freely of herself without ever needing recognition. Sue’s life was marked by education, service, enduring love, and a steadfast commitment to the people she loved most. She will be deeply missed, but will always be in our hearts.

Sue is survived by her four children, Deneen Marie Ruiz, Nancy Maher (Steve), Joseph C. Ruiz (June), and Mike Ruiz (Kelli); her six grandchildren, Micheal (Michelle), Steven (Sarah), Jeffrey (Sarah), Joey, Alec, and Alayna; and her five great-grandchildren, Jackson, Brent, Sylvie Sue, Sadie Jo, and Shawn. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joe, her sister Nancy, her mother Wilma and her father Hollis.