Joe Ruiz, 54, lifetime resident of Weldon Valley, passed away Sunday, June 23, 2013 at his home. He was born March 11, 1959 in Fort Morgan to Ernesto and Viola (Corrales) Ruiz. He attended Weldon Valley Schools. He enjoyed watching and attending football games, especially Denver Broncos vs. Kansas City Chiefs. He loved spending time with his family and friends. Survivors include, his mother Viola Ruiz of Weldona, sisters, Mariana Ruiz and her husband Joe of Weldona, and Maria Chavez and her husband Claudio of Omaha, NE; 4 brothers, Antonio Ruiz and his wife Lupe of Fort Morgan, Jessie Ruiz of Wiggins, Martin Ruiz of Weldona, and Mark Ruiz of Weldona; 7 nephews, 4 nieces, 7 great nephews and 2 great nieces; and his fiancé Nancy Fitzsimmons of Kansas City, MO. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Ernesto Ruiz, 1 sister Consuelo Flora Ruiz, 4 brothers Ernest, Richard, Estanlido and Gregory, 1 nephew Martin Dixon, and 1 niece Oliva Lulf. Visitation will be Thursday, June 27, 2013, from 3 - 7, Rosary will follow at the Heer Chapel in Fort Morgan. Funeral services will be Friday, June 28, 2013, at 10:00 am, at St. Helena's Catholic Church in Fort Morgan. Interment will follow in Memory Gardens in Fort Morgan. Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to the Joe Ruiz Memorial Fund c/o the Heer Mortuary.