Isabel Valdez Ruiz

Isabel Valdez Ruiz of Tempe, Arizona passed away August 27th, 2026, at the age of 80.

Isabel was born on November 18th, 1945, in Chandler Heights, Arizona. Isabel, also known as “Mico", grew up on a dairy farm until her parents sold the farm to move to Tempe. Isabel attended Tempe High School up to her senior year (lettering in volleyball along the way) but moved to California to live with her older sister Tilly to continue her schooling.

When she moved back to Tempe, she met the love of her life Arnold Villela Ruiz, and they were happily married in 1965. After being a stay-at-home mom for many years, Isabel worked as a teacher’s aide, first at Nevitt Elementary, then at Wood Elementary. She became a computer lab teacher and eventually retired so she could travel with her husband. Together, they experienced an Alaskan cruise, hiked down to Havasu Falls, rafted through the Colorado River, and vacationed in Hawaii. If Isabel and Arnold weren’t vacationing, they were hosting dinners in their home with family and friends. They loved dancing, singing, and both cared deeply about the community of Tempe. They were active in various organizations such as Los Vecinos and Tempe Connection. After losing the love of her life in 2006, Isabel picked herself up and was determined to continue to live her life with courage and purpose.

Isabel joined the Questers’ Hayden’s Ferry Chapter. The Questers is an organization dedicated to its members’ education by research and study of antiques and funds the preservation and restoration of historical buildings and landmarks. Isabel was also a perennial volunteer at the Tempe Tardeada every Fall, demonstrating how to make fresh flour tortillas for attending guests. Isabel also taught herself how to mosaic on flowering pots, tables, flooring, and walls. She would even teach her friends how to create wonderful mosaic pieces. Anyone that knew her knows she had a passion for gardening. Her backyard was amazing, beautiful and evergreen - it felt like you were in an enchanted paradise.

Isabel is predeceased by Arnold Sr., her loving husband of 41 years, her daughter-in-law, Elizabeth, her sisters Tillie and Mary, and her brother David. Isabel is survived by her sons Arnold Jr., Raul and Steve, two daughters-in-law, Caroline and Gwen and future daughter-in-law, Adelita. Isabel is also survived by one amazing, beautiful granddaughter that she loved very much, Isabella (Zach) and one great-grandson Elliot. Of her 7 siblings, she is survived by sisters, Livy and Tangee, and her brother, Charlie. She also leaves behind a large, loving extended family of nieces and nephews.

Isabel’s humor and fiery personality was legendary but with that also came a passionate, unselfish, spirited nature and a willingness to always help out. Isabel was a rare, pure gem, and there will never be another person like her. She will be missed!

Visitation and reception will be held from 12-1pm, Saturday, October 17th, 2026, at Resthaven/Carr-Tenney Mortuary & Memorial Gardens, 4310 East Southern Ave, Phoenix, Arizona 85042. A Funeral service will follow from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. Afterwards, the Committal will be held at Resthaven/Carr-Tenney cemetery from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Isabel’s name to: www.alz.org