Kia Elena Ruiz (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Kia Elena Ruiz, daughter of Jessie and Elena Baxley Jefferson, was born July 2, 1968 in Los Angeles, California. She departed this life Tuesday, November 5, 2024 in Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.
She was preceded in death by her father, Jessie Jefferson; her son, Anthony Ruiz; and a good friend, Bobby Burnett.
Kia is survived by daughter, Kayla Jefferson of Conway, Missouri; two sons, Ryan Jefferson of Lebanon, Missouri and Robert Ruiz of Conway, Missouri; four grandchildren, Mariah Floyd, Andre Floyd, Brielle Jefferson and Aiden Venolia; her mother, Elena Jefferson of Conway, Missouri; two sisters, Susan Gardner of Pleasant Hope, Missouri and Darlene Hindson and her husband Andy of Flagstaff, Arizona; and two brothers, Bobby Jefferson and George Pennington and his wife Berina, all of Los Angeles, California.
Kia was raised in California and graduated high school in Aldine, California. She lived for a time in Florida before moving to Missouri.
She was disabled early in her life and worked for a few years at Helping Hands Rehab Center.
Kia was a real daredevil in her younger days. She didn’t fear anything.
She enjoyed shopping and being with family. She was a loving mother, daughter, sister and friend. Her life rotated around her family and she looked forward to family celebrations.
Kia was loved by many. Her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known her.
Services will be private.
What’s your fondest memory of Kia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kia?
Share a story where Kia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kia you’ll never forget.
How did Kia make you smile?