Elaine Ruiz

Elaine Baker Ruiz, 73, of Idaho Falls, passed away August 20, 2026, at her home. She was under the care of her loving family and Hospice of Eastern Idaho.

Elaine was born May 12, 1953, in Idaho Falls, Idaho, to Rulon Edward Baker and Ella Muehlfeit Baker. She grew up and attended schools in Ammon and graduated from Bonneville High School in 1971.

She was married for eleven years and later divorced. While married, Elaine was blessed with three children which she loved deeply. First came the twins, Michelle and Michael, born 5 minutes apart, and nine and a half years later, a daughter named, Breanne.

Later in life, Elaine made Idaho Falls her permanent home. She purchased a cute little 3 bedroom house, a place she adored and would remain for almost thirty years. She was employed at Melaleuca for twenty years, working in a variety of departments. After she retired from Melaleuca, she found her dream job. Elaine was hired as a job coach for Transitions Inc. She worked at Transitions for four years until she was unable to continue. Elaine had an amazing work ethic as she obtained multiple certificates and awards during her employment.

Elaine was a strong, determined, independent woman. If something needed fixing, she would fix it. If a recipe or remedy was needed, she would have it. If advice was required, she would give it. She was knowledgeable and quick on her feet when unexpected events happened. Elaine was also very friendly, talkative, and an all round people-person with a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh.

Family and friends were a big part of Elaine’s everyday life. She enjoyed going to diners and restaurants. No matter the place, she had a coupon and was aware of the daily specials. She was constantly saying, “Wait, I think I have a coupon for that!” Elaine found joy in camping, cooking, painting ceramics, sewing, traveling on cruise ships, visiting ghost towns and reading and watching true crime documentaries with a Pepsi in hand. One could find her looking for bargains at thrift stores, yard sales and holiday shopping events. She was the “blue-light-special” queen (if you know, you know). Along for her many adventures was her sweet little boy, Bently, of almost eighteen years.

Elaine is survived by her daughter, Michelle Ruiz (Mac Hinson) of Ammon, ID; son, Michael Ruiz of Palouse, WA; daughter, Breanne (Les) Bateman of Boise, ID; brother, Mike (Kaye) Baker of Idaho Falls, ID; sister, Annette (Vytas) Jaudegis of Las Vegas, NV; sister, JoAnn (Rex) Bowser of Pocatello, ID; sister, Maureen “Mo” Webster of Idaho Falls, ID; and 5 grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; nephew, Jake Webster; and grand pup, Rabbit.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 4, 2026, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. The family will visit with friends from 10-10:45 a.m. prior to services. Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Venmo account @Michelle-Ruiz-110 to help with funeral expenses.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.woodfuneralhome.com.