In Loving Memory of Ruth “Cookie” Igartua

Ruth “Cookie” Igartua, 69, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 10:05 a.m.

Born on November 26, 1956, in East Chicago, Indiana, Cookie was the beloved daughter of Agustin and Cruz Igartua. She was a proud graduate of East Chicago Roosevelt High School class of 1976 and dedicated many years of her life working in Optometry. In her recent years she worked at Longe Optical in Merrillville, where she remained employed until her health no longer allowed her to continue.

Cookie will be remembered for the love she shared, the kindness she showed to those around her, and the lasting impact she made on the lives of her family and friends. Her warmth, strength, and caring spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is lovingly survived by her daughters, Felicia Escalante (Teante) and Gloria Solis; her grandchildren, Bruce Garcia Jr. (Thalia), Anecia Cortez, Ahdezjia Cortez, and Daniel Gutierrez Jr.; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Bruce Garcia III, Viviana Garcia, and Alani Garcia.

She is also survived by her siblings, Anibal Igartua, Maria Dolores (Jesus), Luis Igartua (Lisa), and Francisca Igartua, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Cookie was preceded in death by her parents, Agustin and Cruz Igartua; her siblings, Gloria Thompson, Agustin Igartua Jr., Maria Esther Bodnar, Ramonita Torres and Israel Igartua; and her grandparents, Maria Dolores Igartua, Justo De La Paz, and Francisca Concepcion De La Paz.

Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we find comfort in the memories she gave us and the love she shared so freely. Her legacy lives on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family, and friends who will continue to honor her life by carrying her love with them every day.

A Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Solan – Pruzin Funeral Home, 14 Kennedy Ave, Schererville, IN with a 6:00 PM Service. Services conclude at the Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be greatly appreciated.

She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.