Mr. John T. Ruiz, age 95, of Kennesaw, Georgia, and formerly of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life, Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at Wellstar Hospice, Tranquility at Kennesaw Mountain.

John was born December 18, 1928, in Seville, Spain, a son of the late, Jose Cernada and Josepha Ruiz.  He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Velva Lucille Harden Ruiz and his second wife, Joyce June Bowers Ruiz, stepson Ervin Arnold, his brothers and sisters-in-law, Benito and Rosa Ruiz Cernada, and Jose and Rosario Ruiz Torreblanca, and a brother-in-law, Antonio Plata.

John arrived in America, in 1959, and received his USA citizenship in 1967.

John is remembered for his hard work, jovial spirit, and kind heart. The impact he made on the lives of his family and friends will bring them joy and strength forever.

He is survived by his daughter, Juanita Ruiz of Kennesaw, GA; grandchildren, Kayleigh and Eric Finley of El Paso, TX, Sharon Durkan of Boston, MA, and Victoria "Tori" Durkan of Atlanta, GA; stepson, Frank R. Leggio of Palm Bay, FL; great-grandchildren Evelyn, Connor, and Tyler Finley; sister, Delores Ruiz Plata of Seville, Spain; former son-in-law, Bob Orr of Johns Creek, GA; special family friend, Beth Kenemer Campbell of Rocky Face, GA; and many friends.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. John T. Ruiz will be held Saturday morning, June 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Danny Cochran officiating. He will be laid to rest with his first wife at West Hill Cemetery with Eric Finley, Chris Breen, Bob Orr, James Campbell, and Conner Finley honored to serve as pallbearers.  The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Friday, June 21, 2024, and after 9:00 a.m. Saturday morning until the service hour.

Arrangements by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA, 30721.   706-226-4002 www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org