Yvonne Ruiz Hughes, 42, of Forney, Texas, passed away in Athens, Texas on December 5, 2019. Yvonne was born on May 5, 1977, in Dallas. She was the oldest child and only daughter of Vincent and Juanita Ruiz, and older sister to Vincent and Derek Ruiz, all from Forney. From a young age, Yvonne always laughed and smiled. She enjoyed bringing joy to others as she played sports and danced as a Forney Highstepper, then in college as a Cardette at Trinity Valley Community College in Athens. Yvonne greatly valued education, graduating from Forney High School in 1995 and then earning an associate’s degree from TVCC. Yvonne also earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas Woman's University in Denton, Texas, and a master’s degree in Speech Pathology from University of Texas at Dallas. Yvonne had a natural gift of bringing friends, family and strangers together. She was passionate about being a "best friend, guardian, and sister" to everyone and had a huge impact on everyone she met. Yvonne will be remembered for her countless and warm qualities, but most importantly, as a wonderful person who gave her love to all. Yvonne is preceded in death by her grandfather Gregorio Chavez Sr., uncle Gregorio Chavez Jr., grandfather Charles Ruiz Sr., and godmother and aunt Carol Ruiz. She is survived by the love her life Scott and their two children Gavin and Ava, who were her pride and joy; grandmothers Ilene Hughes, Christina Chavez, and Nora Ruiz; parents Vincent and Juanita Ruiz; brothers Vincent and Derek; parents-in-law George and Charlotte Hughes; sisters-in-law Ginger, Wendi, and Heidi; and many extended relatives. Visitation services will be Tuesday, December 10, from 10:00-11:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Forney, immediately followed by memorial services at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the fund set up for Yvonne’s family at https://www.gofundme.com/f/scott-amp-yvonne-hughes.