Belia Ruiz Garcia
Belia Ruiz Garcia was born on March 15, 1942 in Hidalgo County, Texas, to Margarito and Angelia Ruiz. She peacefully passed away, at the age of 81, on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023,athomesurrounded by her family.
On Nov. 3, 1962, Belia married Eligio “Lee” Rodriguez Garcia in Stamford, Texas. The couple moved to Albany in November of 1970. Belia worked as a waitress in several restaurants, eventually retiring from Albany ISD.
She was an avid sports enthusiast, supporting the Albany Lions and Lady Lions, and loved watching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in all their sporting events.
Belialookedforwardto listening to her late son, Junior Garcia, and her grandson, Tony Wheeler, as the voices of the Albany Lions. She showed her love in the meals she cooked for her family and theirfriends,whoenjoyed batches of her delicious tortillas. We will remember her for her beautiful smileandgenerousheart.
Preceding Belia are her parents, Margarito and Angelia Ruiz; her husband, Eligio “Lee” Rodriguez Garcia; her son, Eligio Garcia, Jr; her grandson, Javiel Garcia; her brother, Jose Ruiz; and her sister,Adela Ruiz Reyes.
She is survived by two sons, Jaime Garcia and wife Kristen, Michael Garcia and wife Christina; twodaughters,Lillian Wheeler and husband Bruce, Yolanda Peacock and husband Ricky, all of Albany; ten grandchildren, Tony Wheeler and wife Erica of Albany, April Parr and husband Jason of Brock, Christopher Brusuelas, Courtney Smith and husband Jake, Reyna, Larson, Ansleigh, Morgan, Mayson and Miles all of Albany; ten great grandchildren, Alexia“A.J.”Garcia,Lute and Lyle Wheeler, Jacob Veselka, Ryan, Braili and Audrey Parr, Mia, Olivia and Bella Smith; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
The pallbearers included Jamie Garcia, Michael Garcia, Bruce Wheeler, Ricky Peacock, Tony Wheeler, Lute Wheeler, Lyle Wheeler, and Jacob Veselka. Honorary pallbearers were Alfredo Ruiz, Ubaldo Ruiz, Ramon Ruiz, Manuel Ruiz, Rodolfo Ruiz, Reynaldo Ruiz, Larry Shelton, Glenn Picquet, Juan Rodriguez, and the Albany Class of ’88.
Funeralmasswasheld Wednesday, Nov. 22 at Jesus of Nazareth Catholic Church with Father Dias officiating. Interment followed in theAlbany Cemetery under the direction of Morehart Mortuary. Rosary was recited at 7:00 p.m., immediately following the visitation at Morehart Mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Educate the Children Bolivia and The Albany Community Chest which may be left at Morehart Mortuary. Condolences may be made online at www.morehartmortuary. net. PD
