Emma Luz Ruiz Castillejos

Emma Luz Ruiz Castillejos was born in Chiapas, Mexico, on Oct. 8, 1938, and returned to her Lord and Savior on May 7, 2026, in Grafton, Wis. Emma left this earth with a proud clan of more than 30 loving children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Emma was preceded in death by her husband Gregorio and her children Alma Rosita, Alejandro and Cesar Rodolfo.

She is survived by her children Elsa, Jorge (Karen), Nora and Nancy (Steve), her grandchildren Fabiana, Claudia, Shalina, Esteban (Bisan), Saharah, Izabela, Joseph (Katie), Jacob, Mark, Nathan and Aron and her great-grandchildren Iniah, Ilaina, Mahala, Saied, Samir, Neela, Sadya, Salma, Sebastian, Luca, Liam, Kevin, Bethany and Lucas.

Emma was a strong woman who paved her own way to achieve the American dream against all odds. Rooted in faith and determination, she and her husband Gregorio made their way to Cedarburg, Wis., and created a beautiful life for their family.

A kid at heart, Emma enjoyed playing sports with her sons and cheering them on from the stands. Football was her favorite, and she was a die-hard Packers fan.

She adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren immensely and never missed the opportunity to celebrate a birthday or graduation. Her love language was delivered in the form of a long Spanish prayer before a big family meal and her famous salsa.

Emma took great pride in her 23-year career at Milwaukee Area Technical College. Even after retirement, she continued to find meaningful work by serving as your favorite Saturday sample lady at Costco. She was known for her friendly demeanor and her ability to make anyone laugh.

For as hard as she worked, Emma was always the life of the party. She loved to sing and dance and tell hilarious jokes. She enjoyed mariachi music, festivals, fireworks and parades.

She touched many lives and will be greatly missed. We’d like to give many thanks to the Grafton Aurora staff and the nurses and chaplain at Lawlis Family Hospice for their compassionate care of her and her family.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, May 17, 2025, at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1167 Washington Ave., Cedarburg, WI 53012. The Ruiz family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home from 1 to 2:50 p.m.

Emma will be laid to rest at Immanuel Cemetery in Cedarburg on Monday, May 18, 2026.

Eernisse Funeral Home of Cedarburg is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.