Jonnie Michael Ruiz

Jonnie Michael Ruiz, age 92, passed away peacefully at home Monday, February 5th, 2024 surrounded by loved ones in the home he loved so dearly.  

Jonnie was born in Le Loup, KS on April 7th, 1931.  He graduated from Ottawa high school in 1949 followed by 2 years at Ottawa University.   He then enlisted in the United States Air Force and served our country from April of 1951 during the Korean War until being Honorably Discharged in May of 1955.  He met his wife Sylvia (Kirkham) Ruiz while stationed in England at a local dance hall.  The two spent the next year apart while he finished his service corresponding by letters until he sent for her to come to the United States on the Queen Elizabeth Ocean Liner.  They were married in Ottawa KS on February 11th, 1956. Jonnie and Sylvia moved to Kansas City where he began a 27 year career working for the United States Postal Service.  He then spent his time as the Manager of the mailroom at Shughart Thompson and Kilroy.

Jonnie had a genuine love of soccer.  He was not only a fan, he began coaching his two sons, Jaime and Martin’s soccer team before youth soccer was on the map in Kansas City.  He was proud of this time in his life, often telling stories of the days coaching the Rosedale Blue Flyers, Argonauts and 5 more seasons with Garrett’s Eagles where they won 4 out of 5 league championships and captured many tournament titles in the area.  He spent many weekends just watching soccer tournaments at Swope Park even when his own teams were not playing.  Soccer also consumed his television time, he would set his alarm to get up and watch Champion’s League, especially England’s Manchester United play live in the early morning hours.  He attended many professional soccer events, including when Pele’ came to Kansas City to play in 1968.  He also enjoyed professional football, and was an Oakland Raiders fan.  However, he was converted to a Chiefs fan the past few seasons.  He enjoyed spending time with his Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren, attending  as many of their sporting events as he could.  Music was another passion of Jonnie’s, you could find him at his record player with headphones on jammin’.  He enjoyed his vinyl collection of soul and pop music like James Brown, and the Beatles. He was blown away that he could ask “Alexa” to play any song he wanted!  

In 2017, Jonnie was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of traveling to Washington D.C. to see the National Monuments and read a book in the Library of Congress.    He spent a day getting an up close personal tour of the monuments by a rickshaw tourguide.  He obtained his Library of Congress card and was able to read an original manuscript from Thomas Jefferson, the President he admired and read about most.  He was an avid reader and has an extensive collection of books. His favorite quote was by Jefferson, which he had displayed on the table by his chair where he spent his time reading.

 “ I cannot live without books”  -Thomas Jefferson

He would often reminisce about this trip with laughter and  excitement showing off his photo album he made commemorating this trip

 Jonnie and Sylvia enjoyed their home and neighborhood of 58 years, you would often find them sitting on their front porch and conversing with the neighbors as they strolled by.  His legendary standing “double wave”  followed by “Bye, Love you” to bid farewell to his guests from that porch will stay with us forever.   Jonnie will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

He was preceded in death by his parents Teodosio and Cesaria (Segovia) Ruiz, two brothers, Manuel and Frank, two sisters Andrea and Elvira and his son Martin Ruiz.

Jonnie is survived by his wife of 68 years, Sylvia Ruiz who he referred to as “Love” instead of by name.      

Children: Son Jaime Ruiz and Wife Rosie of Lenexa, KS and Daughter Silvana Hardinger and Husband Kelly of Stilwell KS.   

Grandchildren: Heather Hardinger, Amanda Wyckoff, Jonmichael Ruiz, Ian Hardinger, Jared Hardinger, Cole Hardinger, Samantha Hardinger, Alexandra Hardinger, Naidelin Ruiz.

Great-Grandchildren: Max Wyckoff, Isiah Martinez, Renee Ramirez, Kim Ramirez,  Allie Wyckoff, Avery LaPlante, Vincenza Ruiz, Gibson Hardinger, Scarlett Wyckoff, Mackenzie Hardinger, Cade Hardinger.

Visitation will be held Thursday, February 15th, 2024 at Muehlebach Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Rosary will be held at 7 p.m. 6800 Troost Avenue Kansas City, MO 64113

Mass will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, February 16, 2024 at Our Lady of Good Counsel, 3934 Washington St, KCMO.  Burial immediately following at Forest Hill Calvary Cemetery, 6901 Troost Avenue   Kansas City, MO

The Family would like to express the utmost gratitude to Interim Hospice, Sister Servants of Mary and our caregivers that allowed us to fulfill his wishes of being home with his wife.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Sister Servants of Mary , 800 N. 18th Street, Kansas City, KS 66102 in his name.