Support for Nellie Lenack Ruiz's Funeral Expenses

To my beloved friends and family,

On Friday, October 13th, 2023, Nellie Stella Lenack Ruiz—my grandmother, the matriarch, and northern star of our family—passed away, surrounded by her daughter Stefani, and four of her grandchildren. Despite our immense grief and mourning, we hope to celebrate and memorialize her incredible life, and the profound impact of her teachings, love, and guidance. We kindly ask for your support to lay her to rest and host a gathering so that her family and many dear friends may pay their respects. There are so many people whose lives she touched—cross-generationally and across borders—who we would love to bring together in celebration of her life.

Nellie was a devoted mother to 7, grandmother to 12, and great-grandmother to 13. She was raised by her Nana, Beatriz Ruiz, and her Aunt Josephine and Uncle Ray. She was widowed by her second husband, Izzy Lenack in her early 40s, with whom she raised all of her children.

She was a bar owner, a wedding cake maker, a seamstress, a housekeeper, and a beautiful crocheter. She was a sharpshooter, a rule breaker, and fiercely independent. She was known for being the most beautiful woman everyone knew, the best dressed, and the most beautifully adorned. She was a protector, a collector, and proof that you can always make something out of nothing.

She lived her last years in a home that she built by the ocean in Mexico, where she spent her days with her partner Joe, and their pets, Tootsie and Tippy. Her last hours were spent listening to her favorite music, making us laugh, and eating vanilla ice cream. She was everyone's boss and always in charge, until her very last moments. She is my and my mother's ultimate and infinite inspiration.

All funds will go directly towards her cremation and memorial expenses. Every donation is deeply appreciated. Your support during this difficult time means the world to me and my family. She was and will continue to be my northern star and the center of my world. We will miss her immensely every day.

Thank you from my family, and from the bottom of my heart.

With love,

Aja