January 9, 1930 - June 25, 2016

Brooks, OR - With family and friends at his bedside - and his wife holding his hand - Julian Tijerina Ruiz passed away peacefully in his home near Brooks on June 25. He was 86.

The oldest of 11 brothers and sisters, Julian was born to Anestasia and Juan Ruiz on Jan. 9, 1930 in Asherton, Texas. Julian worked as a farm laborer and trucker in Texas and Louisiana during the 1940s. In 1946, he met his wife of 70 years, Basilia Leyva, at a dance. Julian began traveling to Oregon with family members in 1951 to work as a farm labor recruiter and crop picker before finally relocating to St. Paul in 1954.

A shrewd and tireless entrepreneur, Julian started several business ventures in the North Willamette Valley before moving to Brooks in 1971, where he ran a gas station and grocery store - the Rancho Market. He also continued his farm and labor contracting business, which his sons now own and operate today.

Julian and Basilia were long-time parishioners of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Gervais, where Julian was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Julian and Basilia had nine children. He was preceded in death by his daughters Diana and Eva. He is survived by his wife, Basilia; his sons Julian, Jr., Jimmy, Jerry and Jeff Ruiz; his daughters Armandina Alvarez, Florinda Cardenas and Cathy Tidwell; 29 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great-grandchildren; and many relatives and close

A June 30 funeral service for Julian will start at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 485 7th Street in Gervais.

Simon-Cornwell Colonial Chapel is handling arrangements.