Jeannette Antonia Fragoso-Ruiz was called home by Our Lord on the 21st of October 2022, surrounded by her loving family at Hermann Memorial Hospital ICU in The Woodlands, Texas.
She is preceded in death by her parents Cresencio and Antonia Gonzalez Fragoso; In-laws, Roberto Lugo and Guadalupe G. Ruiz; siblings, Clarence Fragoso, Rigoberto Fragoso, William “Billy” Fragoso, and Francisco “Pancho” Fragoso.
She is survived by her husband and soulmate Robert M. Ruiz; children Robertta J. (David) Bauder, Jennifer L. (Richard) Rodriguez, Alejandra M. Ruiz, and R. Michael Ruiz; grandchildren Grant and Hans Bauder, Ricky, Robin, and Reese Rodriguez, Mario, and Lauren Villarreal; siblings: Margarita Fragoso, Rosalie Fragoso, Julian Fragoso, Eduardo “Eddie” Fragoso, Maria Dolores Hinojosa, Kenneth Charles “Charlie” Fragoso, and Gracie Zavaletta.
Jeannette was born on October 2, 1949, in Brownsville, Texas, daughter of Cresencio and Antonia Fragoso. She grew up in Brownsville and graduated from Brownsville High School (Homer Hanna High School) in 1969.
Jeannette came from very humble beginnings. Growing up as a migrant worker, she picked cotton and seasonal fruit with her siblings. She always aspired to make a better life for herself, therefore, education was very important to her.
Jeannette met Robert M. Ruiz, both 17, at a neighborhood party held at Margaret Reyna’s home, a mutual friend.
Upon high school graduation, she attended Texas A&I University in Kingsville, Texas. In 1975 she received a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education majoring in Home Economics.
Jeannette married Robert, also a Brownsville native and a St. Joseph’s Academy graduate in 1969. They lived in Wichita Falls, Texas, for a few years while Robert served in the U.S. Air Force, and she began her teaching career. Their children are Robertta J. (David) Bauder , Jennifer L. (Richard) Ruiz-Rodriguez, Alejandra M. Ruiz, and R. Michael Ruiz, who loved her dearly.
Jeannette was a devoted and beloved teacher. She taught at Homer Hanna High School, Central Middle School, and Rivera High School. She enjoyed teaching all levels ranging from Special Education to Gifted and Talented. She retired from Brownsville Independent School District after a 38-year career on June 30, 2012.
Jeannette was full of life, laughter and always strove to help others before herself. God blessed her with a giver’s heart, and she was a shining example of God’s goodness.
Visitation will be on Friday, October 28, 2022, from 1PM to 8PM with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 7PM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Visitation continues Saturday, October 29, 2022, at 8AM at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home. Funeral mass to follow at 10AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Services will conclude at the end of the funeral mass.
Serving as pallbearers will be R. Michael Ruiz, Mario R. Villarreal IV, Richard Rodriguez Jr., Gus Zavaletta, Stacey Fragoso, Javier Martinez, Gus Fowler, Christopher Rodriguez. Honorary Pallbearers will be Lauren M. Villarreal, Robin M. Rodriguez, Reese M. Rodriguez, Richard M. Rodriguez lll.Â
Services are under the guidance of Sunset Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory & Flower Shop. 657 Springmart Blvd., Brownsville, Texas. (956) 350-8485
To send flowers or a plant to the family in the memory of Mrs. Jeannette Antonia Fragoso-Ruiz, please visit https://didisflowershop.com/shop or call (956) 455-3718.