PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — A West Michigan cemetery is helping Ruby Garcia’s family properly lay her to rest.
Garcia, 25, was found dead Friday night on US-131 in Grand Rapids. Brandon Ortiz-Vite, who is in the U.S. illegally, is facing charges for her death after admitting to shooting her and dumping her body on the highway.
Garcia’s death has been felt by many in the West Michigan community.
“She did not deserve any of this. This was a tragedy and, in my opinion, should never have happened,” said Alexas Clemens, family services manager at Blythefield Memory Gardens in Belmont.
After hearing about what happened to Garcia, Clemens said she felt compelled to help however she could.
“I think we all know a Ruby in our life. A young girl just getting started in life with a family that loves her,” Clemens said. “I could see with the Garcia family that they are very close-knit and that goes hand in hand with what our family does here.”
On Friday, Garcia will be laid to rest at Blythefield. The cemetery gifted a burial space after contacting Garcia’s family on social media.
“Every situation when there’s a death, there’s costs that occur, especially if they’re not prepared for it and there’s no pre-planning involved. So, this being so unexpected and tragic, I knew the family was not prepared,” Clemens said.
In addition to the burial space, Clemens said they’re doing a few extra things.
“We are making a special location for her, in order to do a proper monument,” Clemens said.
She says she expects Friday will focus on Garcia’s life and not the way it was tragically taken away.
“I don’t think they want that to be her story and legacy. So, I think celebrating her life and the joy she brought everybody will be the main focus,” Clemens said.