WILLIAM O. RUELAS "Willy," age 74, answered Heaven's Roll Call on April 15, 2005. He was born in Sanford, Kansas. The family moved to Decoto, now Union City, California, where he attended local schools. He was proud to have served in the Army during the Korean War. He was a member of the Plumbers' Union and worked in heavy construction. Most of all, Mr. Ruelas was proud to be a grandpa and spoke lovingly of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. In his early years, Mr. Ruelas participated in the sport of boxing. This interest brought him to organize boxing for the youth in Decoto. Mr. Ruelas participated for 13 years in the prison ministry serving San Quentin and Susanville prisons. He gave much of his life to evangelizing and bringing inmates to Christ. His devoted wife, Adele, was by his side, especially during the trying times after his stoke from which he never really recovered. Family members and friends were on hand to help whenever they could. Diabetes eventually took its toll. After a short stay at Fremont Kaiser Hospital, he died. Wife and family were at his side. He has been a member of the Assembly of God congregation. In recent years he and wife, Adele, joined the Hillview Baptist Church. Thanks goes to helpful church members and for participation in prayers. He is survived by his loving wife, Adele. His family from a previous marriage, sons William and wife, Rene, and family, Joel and family, daughter Judy and husband, Jerry, and their families will be left to mourn their loss. Mr. Ruelas also left three sisters, two brothers, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces. "Willy" will be missed by all who knew him. Family and friends are invited to prayers on site presided by Pastor Paul Salsedo at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23, at Oak Hill Memorial Park, 300 Curtner Avenue, San Jose, CA 95125. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made in the name of William O. Ruelas to the Diabetes or Heart Association.

Alameda Times-Star 4/19/05.