Kandis had an exceptionally beautiful journey filled with love, support, loyalty, and inspiration in her relationships with her siblings, parents, wife, and daughter. She was a dedicated friend and would go to any lengths for the people she cared about. Kandis’s deep compassion for humanity was consistently demonstrated through her exemplary leadership and ambitious, diligent, and passionate commitment to community service, which became a defining pillar of her life.
Kandis deeply respected the military and the dedicated service of men and women in uniform. She began her education at Texas A&M University, where she became a member of the Corps of Cadets. Continuing her passion and honor of the military Kandis enlisted in the Marines and swiftly climbed the ranks, earning the esteemed position of Sergeant. Kandis ultimately obtained her college degree, in Criminal Justice, at Metro State University in Denver. Kandis’s Marine Corps career continued with her completing Officer Candidate School and commissioning as a Marine Corps Officer. Kandis then went on to The Basic School where she graduated in the top 5% of her class (giving her career designation). Kandis would then go on to flight school and later be selected to fly the MV-22 Osprey. Kandis was promoted to First Lieutenant in May of 2019, two months after her daughter Kyliana was born, and earned her wings in November 2020. On August 1, 2021, Kandis was promoted to the rank of Captain.
Kandis developed a love for the game of rugby during her high school years, playing with the Kansas City Dragons. She cherished her rugby family and was a talented player. Kandis never met a stranger and was loved by all of her teammates. They even gave her the nickname “Cookie” and it stayed with her throughout her playing career and beyond. Kandis also represented the USA, playing for both the Under 20 7s and Under 20 15s national teams. She competed with many club teams as well. She played for the Austin Valkyries, Glendale Raptors, and Atlanta Harlequins. She even had the opportunity to play with a touring side called the Beavers.
Unfortunately, Captain Ruiz received a stage 4 colon cancer diagnosis on November 13, 2020, and on August 10, 2021, her physical battle with cancer came to an end. However, her military and rugby legacy, her passion, and the impact she had on her friends, loved ones, and community continue to live on. In her memory, the Captain Kandis “Cookie” Ruiz Foundation was established on October 31, 2022, with great honor and the intention to serve the military, civilian, and rugby communities.