UPDATE, 6-15-2020: The Ruiz family invites the Round Rock ISD community to attend funeral services, Thursday, June 18, at the St. Williams Catholic Church at 2:30 p.m. Those in attendance are requested to wear a mask. A Facebook fundraiser is accepting donations to assist the family with funeral expenses.

Dear Round Rock ISD Family,

Yesterday, our family suffered a devastating loss.

Raul Ruiz, who has faithfully served this District, our students, staff and community, passed away following a tragic accident. Mr. Ruiz was a dedicated and valued member of our Round Rock ISD Maintenance and Groundskeeping team.

He took great pride in his work and loved being a part of the Round Rock ISD family. And it truly was family for Mr. Ruiz. Five of his relatives work in the District, including his daughter, son-in-law, brother, sister, and cousin. So our hearts are doubly heavy for both his colleagues and his family, who are also part of our team.

Mr. Ruiz served Round Rock ISD for an amazing 28 years and was always willing to help out wherever needed. Those that worked closely with him are understandably devastated. They echo what his daughter, Victoria, says about her Dad, which is to recall his generous nature and his unfailing spirit of giving.

That spirit continues. Mr. Ruiz was an organ donor — something that was very important to him — and in death he will help save and improve the lives of dozens of people, many of them children.

Not working during the school closures due to COVID-19 was hard for Mr. Ruiz because he loved his job and the people he worked with. His daughter said Mr. Ruiz truly considered the people he worked with family. We loved him, too, and feel his loss deeply.

Mr. Ruiz loved playing the game of washers with friends and family. In his honor, the Ruiz family is inviting guests to their home at 1512 Circle Drive in Round Rock this Saturday, June 13, beginning at 3 p.m., for a Benefit Washers Tournament. Funds raised will be used to help cover funeral expenses.

I know we didn’t all know Mr. Ruiz personally, but his story, his years of service and his family’s deep connections to this District remind us all how connected we are. We serve a common purpose and are devoted to the mission of serving our families and community. Rest in Peace, Raul. We will miss you.

Respectfully,

Steve Flores, Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools