Sylvia Beryl Ruiz

Sylvia Beryl Ruiz peacefully passed away on Thursday, February 27, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones in the home she had shared with her husband. 

Sylvia was born in Boston, Lincolnshire, England, on June 15, 1934, to Edward and Daisy Kirkham. She grew up during World War II and often shared stories of her family’s ration books, sheltering during air raids, and her father’s time away at war. Sylvia had a deep love for music and dancing, which led her to meet the love of her life, Jonnie Ruiz, at a local dance hall near where he was stationed in the Air Force. They spent a year apart while Jonnie completed his service corresponding by mail and she eventually joined him in the United States, sailing on the Queen Elizabeth Ocean Liner. They were married on February 11, 1956, in Ottawa, Kansas, and settled in Kansas City, where they built a life and raised their three children: Jaime, Martin, and Silvana.

Sylvia began her career at the prestigious Kansas City Club at 12th and Baltimore. Initially hired in the coat room, she later became a manicurist in the barbershop, where she took great pride in her work during her 35 year tenure.

Sylvia loved to knit, a skill she learned at the age of four in England. She spent much of her childhood perfecting this craft and passed on her skills to family members, often making blankets and clothing for loved ones. She was also known for her generosity and hospitality, always opening her home to family, friends, and neighbors, offering delicious meals. While she was an excellent cook, she was best known for her authentic Mexican recipes that were passed down to her from her Mother-in-law. 

Sylvia and Jonnie enjoyed their home and neighborhood for 60 years, often sitting on their front porch, chatting with neighbors. They were always together and only separated by death, we take comfort knowing that they are now reunited, hand in hand.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Daisy Kirkham; brothers, Edward and Ian; sister, Megan; and her son, Martin Ruiz. She is also preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Jonnie Ruiz, whom she lovingly referred to as “Love.”

She is survived by her children: son Jaime Ruiz and wife Rosie of Lenexa, KS; 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, and Naidelin Ruiz; great-grandchildren: Isaiah Martinez, Max Wyckoff, Renee Ramirez, Kim Ramirez, Allie Wyckoff, Avery LaPlante, Vincenza Ruiz, Gibson Hardinger, Scarlett Wyckoff, Mackenzie Hardinger, and Cade Hardinger.

Saturday, March 8th, 2025 at Muehlebach Funeral Home 6800 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64113

Visitation: 11 a.m. The Rosary will be prayed at: 11:45 a.m. Service at 12:00 p.m.

Burial: Immediately following at Forest Hill Calvary Cemetery, 6901 Troost Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64113

The family expresses their deepest gratitude to Interim Hospice and our team of caregivers who loved Sylvia as their own and supported her wish to remain at home through the end of her life.