Ruth Carrillo

Ruth Carrillo, a cherished member of the Gilcrest community, passed away on November 17, 2025, at the age of 107. She was born on June 30, 1918. Ruth lived a life full of faith, generosity, hard work, and selflessness.

Ruth married Cruz Garcia in 1936. They had six children and lived happily until Cruz’ untimely death in 1957. Ruth's career was a testament to her dedication and resilience. She began working from an early age as a migrant worker in Montana at the age of eight years old. Despite the challenges she faced, Ruth worked multiple jobs to raise her six children after the loss of her first husband.

In 1964, Ruth married Mike Carrillo, with whom she shared many happy years until his passing in May 2003. Later in life she became a cook at the Blue Willow restaurant in Gilcrest, CO, and the El Matador in Evans, CO. She was famous for her red chili and made and sold tortillas to help support her income. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and multi-generational grandmother, as well as a mother figure to many friends and cousins who had lost their own moms.

Ruth's personal interests were as diverse as they were enriching. She enjoyed reading the bible, books and the Greeley Tribune, playing cards, cooking, and was known for her stylish demeanor. She enjoyed watching the Broncos, Nuggets and Rockies play on TV. Her creative talents were evident in her making of rag dolls, embroidery, latch-hook projects, gardening, canning, and punch needle crafts. A devout Catholic, she was an active member of La Sagrada Familia and took pride in organizing Meals on Wheels in Gilcrest.

Ruth's personal qualities and legacy are remembered fondly. She was stern yet possessed a good sense of humor. Her determination to learn English ensured her children's success in school. At 107 years old, her mind remained sharp, and she maintained her own bills and check register to the penny. She lived through 19 U.S. presidents. As the last living sibling of 13 children, Ruth's legacy as a loving matriarch and community pillar will be cherished by all who knew her.

Ruth is survived by her 3 daughters, Frances Salazar, Carolina Martinez, Mona Penaflor and a bonus son Carl Carrillo; 24 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren to six generations.

Ruth is preceded in death by her husband, Mike Carrillo; her parents, Longino Chavarria and Francisca (Chavez) Chavarria; three children – Joseph, Jessie (Jay) and Tony and bonus children Gerald, Julie, Jeannie and Michael.