Cora Rita Ruiz

Cora Rita Ruiz, age 95, a cherished lifelong resident of Savanna, Illinois, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family and in the compassionate care of hospice in Gratiot, Wisconsin. In recent years, Cora needed assistance and resided with her beloved niece in Gratiot, where she continued to share her radiant smile and warmth.

Cora was born on May 22, 1929, to Felipe and Maria de La Cruz Ruiz. Raised in humble beginnings, her family lived in a boxcar while her father worked at the Milwaukee Roundhouse in Savanna. Cora’s early life, marked by resilience and simplicity, shaped her compassionate and giving spirit.

She attended St. John’s Catholic School and remained a devoted member of St. John’s Catholic Church throughout her life. At a young age, she began working at the Savanna Garment Factory and later dedicated many years as a line worker at Eaton Corporation in Savanna.

Cora took on the role of a mother to her two nieces, Barbara and Teresa, raising them as her own and instilling in them values of love and strength. She took great pride in watching them grow into remarkable adults who cherished her as a mother figure.

Cora had many passions, especially for Christmas, a holiday she celebrated with deep reverence for her Savior. Known for her baking, she delighted her family with homemade cookies, fudge, and peanut brittle. She even built her own manger, a “Nacimiento de Jesus,” to celebrate the season. Her love for family and faith was a light to those around her.

Cora is survived by her two nieces, Barbara Bailey Hopkins of Gratiot, Wisconsin, and Teresa Lahre (Stephen) Susinka of Aurora, Illinois; her brother, Lawrence (Janice) Ruiz of Poplar Grove, Illinois; her sister, Alice Guzman of Chicago; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, great-great nieces and great-great nephews. Cora was preceded in death by both parents; two sisters, Sally Gallagher and Consuelo Guzman; her half-sister, Alice Solis; her brother, Robert Ruiz; brother in-laws, Rudy Guzman and James Gallagher; sister in-law, Marcus Ruiz; nephew, Sean Gallagher; niece, Rose Anne Fenner; a great-nephew, Jose Flores; and a nephew in-law, Bryan Hopkins.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Savanna. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna. There will be a luncheon immediately following the Mass in the church hall. A graveside service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 22, 2025 at St. John's Catholic Cemetery.