Carmen Ruelas

Carmen Ruelas, beloved mother, grandmother, and devoted wife, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2025, at the age of 89, surrounded by her family. A Rosary and visitation will be held at the Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel, 5750 Hwy 277 South, Abilene, Tx, on March 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM. The Funeral Service will take place at St. Vincent Pallotti Catholic Church, 2525 Westview Dr, Abilene, Texas on March 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM, followed by a Graveside Service at Elmwood Memorial Park at 11:00 AM, where she will be laid to rest. Born on November 21, 1935, in Acuna, Mexico to Franciso and Maria Luisa Guerra, Carmen's journey through life was one of love, and devotion to her family. Carmen married her beloved husband, Alejandro Ruelas Sr., in 1952, and together they built a life filled with love, and cherished memories.

Carmen was a devoted housewife, finding joy in caring for her home and nurturing her family. She was a supportive mother to her children and embraced the decisions of her children with open arms, offering unwavering support and guidance. Known for her welcoming spirit, Carmen opened her home to everyone, making all feel like part of her family.

She found joy in watching her grandchildren flourish, always cheering them on in their activities and making each one feel like her favorite. Her culinary skills earned her the title of food critic among her loved ones, as her home was filled with the delicious aromas of her cooking. With a keen eye for fashion, Carmen loved to keep up with the latest trends and could often be found embarking on treasure hunts at garage sales for unique finds.

Conversations with Carmen were filled with warmth and humor, she had the ability to bring laughter to all of those around her. Her wisdom and thoughtful advice made her a confidante to many, as she was one to listen intently and carry secrets with the utmost care-secrets she continued to hold onto. Carmen was the heart of her family. She was not spiteful and always striving to maintain peace and harmony within her family.

In addition to her loving role as a matriarch, Carmen was a dedicated volunteer. She generously gave her time to the Angel Tree and Prison Ministry, embodying her belief in compassion and giving to others.

She was blessed to have received the upmost, loving and thorough care, especially in her final days, from Alex, Sandra, Irene Medina and Juanita Hernandez .

Though life presented her with profound heartache, including the devastating loss of her two sons, Edward and Martin, Carmen remained resilient. In losing them, a part of her heart was fractured. She often expressed a readiness to join her beloved sons, blaming her pacemaker for her prolonging. As much as she cherished her family, who was a guiding light for her, Carmen was ready to join her departed relatives, Edward and Martin, and the rest of her loved ones. In understanding her deep faith with God, we find solace in knowing that she has embraced eternal peace.

Carmen is preceded in death by her sons Edward Ruelas and Martin Ruelas; brothers, Cruz, Candelario, Jesus, Carlos, Rafael; sisters, Navora, Nico, Juana, Jenoveva; and several nieces and nephews.

Carmen Ruelas will be lovingly remembered by her family, including her husband Alejandro Ruelas, Sr.; daughter, Sandra Ruelas; son, Alejandro Ruelas, Jr and wife Nancy; grandchildren, Alejandro Ruelas, III, Armando Ruelas, Andrew Ruelas, Nathan Ruelas and wife Crystal, Joshua Ruelas and wife Martha, Jason Ruelas and wife Shayla, Christopher Ruelas, Alyssa Ruelas, Zachary Gonzalez, Mark Gonzalez and wife Ashley; 23 great-grandchildren, and numerous extended family and friends

The family would like to give a special thank you to Carmen's caregivers, Juanita Hernandez and Irene Medina for their devoted and compassionate care given to Carmen.

Carmen was a beacon of warmth and kindness to all who knew her. She will be dearly missed and loved by many but will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched.

Pallbearers will be: Alejandro Ruelas, III, Armando Ruelas, Joshua Ruelas, Jason Ruelas, Christopher Ruelas, Mark Gonzalez , Zachary Gonzalez, and Antonio Soto.

Honorary Pallbearers will be: Alyssa Ruelas, and Nathan Ruelas

Mass readings by: Andrew Ruelas

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels in Carmens honor.