Born on January 20, 1954, in Martinez, California at Contra Costa County Hospital to loving parents Margaret Rosalez Ruiz and Bonifacio Montoya Ruiz, Lydia was raised to live a life full of love, dedication, and resilience.
Lydia was a self-employed Avon saleswoman for nearly 20 years. She absolutely loved her work and put her heart and soul into it, with her dedication seeing her receiving top awards such as the Presidents Club Award several times. She even sold Avon in a team, The Dazzling Diva Duo, with her daughter Sabrina.
Lydia loved gardening and being in the outdoors. She enjoyed road trips, going to the casino - even winning the lottery once - and playing bingo. Lydia was also an avid bowler and was in a league with her lifelong partner of 15 years, Ruben Cavazos. At time, they would travel to Reno or Laughlin to play in Bowling Tournaments together.
If there was a family gathering or birthday, Lydia always made an effort to be there. And she sure knew how to make an entrance, always dressed to impress in her beautiful outfits with matching hats and jewelry. Lydia lived her life to the fullest no matter what challenges came her way. She was the anchor to all of her family, taking on roles like the cool aunt, the loving and caring grandmother, the supportive sister, the loving spouse, and a genuine friend to all. Her most important role of all, however, was a dedicated mother who raised her children to be just as strong and courageous as she was.
Lydia is preceded in death by her mother, Margaret Rosalez Ruiz, her father, Bonifacio Montoya Ruiz, her brother Gilbert Ruiz, and her daughter, Angela Margarita Lara. She is survived by her son, Jesse Lara Jr., her daughters, Maria Rico and Sabrina McSherry, her lifelong partner of 15 years, Ruben Cavazos, her sister, Christina Pantoja, and her brothers Daniel Ruiz, Richard Ruiz, and David Ruiz. Lydia also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren (with 3 more on the way), her beloved pets Kobe and Brandy, and a host of other friends and family who all love her dearly.
Lydia loved life and her family, and she would want to be remembered not for her illnesses and physical challenges, but for her courage and fearlessness when met with those life-changing obstacles. She was a strong warrior, and she will forever be missed and remembered always.
And from her children, "Mommy, thank you for giving us the best of you."
