Enrique Ruga Santiago

Enrique Ruga Santiago

February 22, 1941- August 14, 2025

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of Enrique Ruga Santiago, age 84, on August 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Enrique, best known as “Tatay” amongst family and friends, was a bright and independent man known for his love of dancing. He was born in Ragay, Camarines Sur, Philippines on February 22, 1941. In his native language (Tagalog), “Tatay” means father and this name best describes the life he led. If you needed help, Tatay would be there with a smile on his face..and a joke waiting to pop out. In the Philippines, Tatay was also regarded as “Kuya” which means big brother in Tagalog. He loved sharing affection with everyone in his large family circle and never hesitated to show generosity and kindness to everyone with everything he could. Tatay loved adventure and seeing the world with his own two feet, especially if he was with many others. At age 84, he has led a good and active life. He was best known for his love of dancing…ballroom dancing and Zumba 3x/week. He also loves listening to the songs of the group “Four Aces” as he relaxes. He loved a traditional Filipino bread known as “pandesa;” with ice cream and he would enjoy early morning strolls to get fresh ones.

Tatay had mentioned, finally meeting his youngest grandson, “I am very happy, very contended and very proud of myself”, looking at all his children, meeting and knowing all his grandchildren, proudly saying.. “I did that!” All his hard work and sacrifices has paid off. He would always say, that he was very happy seeing and knowing that all his children are all settled, successful and happy with their respective family and would say, “MY JOB IS DONE! THIS IS MY LEGACY!”

Enrique is survived by his wife Lourdes Amante Santiago, children Richelda Santiago Brown (Harold Brown), Cielo Santiago Ferrer (Reynaldo Ferrer), Eleanor Santiago Riffle (Joseph Riffle) and Rommel Santiago (Abigail) and his grandchildren, Miguel Allen Santiago, Reichelle Renee Ferrer (Kentaro), Andrea Renee Ferrer, Rianne Christina Brown, Jacob Gregory Riffle and Rae Danielle Riffle-Fox (Wesley). Two great-grandchildren Lilith and Dean Fox.

The family will have him cremated on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 and Funeral Mass at 11:00am on August 28, 2025 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church with visitation starting at 10:30am. Then, his daughters and wife will fly him home to the Philippines where he will be laid to his final resting place.

Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in Crestview. Guest book and condolences are available online at www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com

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