Martin Ruiz

Martin “SHARK” Fidencio Ruiz, 50, of Cedar Creek, formerly of Bastrop, passed away Thursday, April 21, 2022.  Martin was born at Brackenridge Hospital, on September 27, 1971 to Yolanda Ruiz and Raymond Medina, Sr. Martin grew up in Stoney Point, he then moved to Bastrop where he attended Bastrop high school.  After receiving his G.E.D., attended school to become a Certified Dental Assistant.  He ultimately found a career he truly enjoyed as a school bus driver for Bastrop ISD, where he worked from 2004 until 2010.  He then began working with M.V transportation, where he drove the bus for Capital Metro in Austin.

Martin was the oldest of eight children; while growing up, all his siblings thought he was the strongest man in the world and were sure he would become a professional wrestler, but Martin always had other plans. He was the man of the house at a very young age and helped his mother raise his youngest siblings. Everyone knew Martin was a momma’s boy, never wanting to leave the nest until he got married and had children of his own, including being a father figure to his step-children.  In 2012, Martin became a single father, raising his three daughters alone; ensuring they always had everything they needed.  Martin never hesitated to go above and beyond for his children; he dedicated his life to working and being a dad.  Becoming a grandfather was his proudest moment and wanted to be the best “Jampaw” out there.

He enjoyed dancing and going out with his Tia, Janie. He loved to play pool and blasting heavy metal music in his room. He was a huge Dallas Cowboy and Texas Longhorn Football fan.  He also enjoyed watching wrestling and Nascar.  However, his favorite and most memorable times were spent with his daughters and grandbabies, and taking his mom to eat at the Chinese Dragon on his days off.

In 2018, Martin was diagnosed with Breast Cancer, which he was determined not to let slow him down!  He continued to work and take care of his family while he battled cancer for four long years.  In his final days, he was surrounded by family and close friends whom he loved dearly.  So when you’re feeling down, just think of Martin’s big smile, the crazy stories he would tell, with the assurance that he is no longer in pain.

Martin was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Raymond Ruiz.  He is survived by his mother, Yolanda Ruiz; his father, Raymond Medina Sr.; his three daughters Selina, Antonia, and Rosalinda; his three grandchildren, Esperanza, Alexander, and Natalia; his seven siblings Gabriel Jr, Rose, Selma, George and wife Joann, Nancy, Joe, and Blac and wife Erica; his partner, Debbie and her four children and one grandchild; 22 nieces and nephews; seven great nieces and nephews; and numerous extended family and dear friends.

A very special thank you to Martin’s workers union for raising money to help out with services. Deborah Gray, Barbara Williams, Jonathan D miller, Ms. Flo, Linda D, Roberta Alvarado, Michael Stewart, Mr. Young, Kim Connell and to Miss Shirley thank you so much for everything you did to help out and for being an amazing friend to Martin.  Thank you to everyone who donated to the GoFundMe and to our dear friends who came and personally donate to his services.

Family and Friends will gather for Visitation at Elgin Funeral Home, Thursday, April 28th from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.  Interment will be private.