Eleuterio Porraz

Eleuterio “Eli” Ruiz Porraz fell asleep in death on April 26, 2026. Known for his love and humor, Eli was a mountain of a man who was a great protector and beacon of strength to his loved ones. Eli led by example with unwavering courage and respect in all aspects of life. He will be remembered for his generosity, wisdom, bravery, and magnetic personality.

Eli was born to Eleuterio and Juanita Porraz on November 29, 1979, in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Eli was their youngest child. His parents and sisters, Michelle and Isabel, doted on their baby brother. They continued to do so throughout his last day. Eli was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witness in 1995. He had fond childhood memories of camping and gatherings with family and close friends. His favorite childhood “accomplice” was his cousin, Donny.

Eli met Julie while attending Carlsbad High School. Their young love was the start of his family. The “High School Sweethearts” were married on August 14, 1998, and spent over 27 years together. Eli was a loving and supportive husband, who prioritized taking care of Julie.

Eli was so excited to welcome his son, Diego, into the world. He couldn’t wait for him to grow up. He wanted to teach his buddy about working on trucks and 4-wheeling. He loved spending time with Diego and was so proud to watch him grow. Almost nineteen years later, their second son, Emilio, was born. Eli was in no hurry for his “Suga Bear” to grow up. He wanted to hold on to his baby and never put him down. Eli loved to take Emilio camping and playing with their RCs. His sons were his whole motivation in life; he wanted to model being a good man for them.

Eli always had a close connection with his Tio Donny and Uncle Dean. He modeled their example in prioritizing his nieces and nephews. Tio Eli settled more tantrums over the phone than an average Tio did in person. He loved spending time and taking them on adventures. They reciprocated his love and were jokingly referred to as his “public defenders”, always taking up for their Tio.

Eli worked hard to support his family and was a mechanic in different capacities. His final employer was Mosaic Potash in the field of Industrial Mining for 13 years. He valued his faith. He would take any opportunity to share with his co-workers the bible’s practical value in family life. He enjoyed volunteering at Kingdom Hall builds and as an attendant at conventions.

Eli appreciated the simple things in life. He loved a quiet drive and being out in Jehovah’s creation. He enjoyed many hobbies but only with the intent of spending time with the people he loved. He could be found camping in the mountains, 4 wheeling a dirt road, driving his Harley, visiting a national park, ragging out a golf cart on the course, sipping a cold one, cooking a disco of fajitas, many things… as long as it drew together the people he loved.

Eli’s legacy will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. They look forward to his promised resurrection (John 5:28, 29). He was proceeded in death by his grandfather Ismael Ruiz. He is survived by his wife Julie, his sons, Diego and Emilio, parents, Eleuterio and Juanita, grandmother Lillie Ruiz, father in law Julian Fuentes, siblings Greg and Michelle Keen, Joshua and Isabel Caswell and Bobby and Oliva Hinojos, Peter and Juliana Rivas, Juliette Fuentes, nieces and nephews Devean Keen, Anthony Valenzuela, Julian “Smiley” Fuentes, Audriana Fuentes, Andrew Caswell, Joshua “JJ” Hinojos, Jessica Cleveland, Angela Fry, Chey Ann Rivas, Esperanza Rivas, AJ Rivas, Bria Fuentes, Lleleyna Fuentes, Dlayno Fuentes, Xaen Miller, Bright’n Miller, and Darthius Duskey, great nephew Alik Armendariz, Tia Yolanda Campos, Uncle Dean Ruiz, Tio Donny Campos, cousins Mark Ruiz, Donny Campos and Kenny Campos. Eli had a large extended family of Aunts, Uncles, cousins and “chosen” family that will also miss him.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 2, 2026 at 3pm at The Valley Venue, 4327 Harmon Lane in Carlsbad, New Mexico. Elder Greg Keen will be officiating.

The services will be available via Zoom:

Meeting ID: 875 2736 0739

Passcode: 784580