Ruth Joan Lopez

On March 22, 1932, Ruth Joan Yates came into the world at General Hospital in Los Angeles, CA, to parents Joseph Charles Yates and Iona Marie Yates.

Shortly thereafter, Ruth would be joined by her beloved younger sisters, Mabel Renee Yates and Sylvia Maria Yates. The sisters would be raised in a devout Christian home. Her parents belonged to Independent Church of Christ under Reverend Clayton Russell, Pastor. Ruth’s mother sang in the Cathedral choir, under the direction of Albert J McNeil. Her father served as deacon.

As a child, Ruth developed a love for the piano and old spirituals. Ruth began piano lessons under the tutelage of Professor Buziuc and would go on to master the piano.

In 1945, Ruth’s parents relocated to Pasadena and resided at 150 Hammond Street. At that time, she and her sisters would join the AME Zion Church. Following her mother's passing in 1946, Ruth and her sisters were placed under the care of their Aunt Mary. During this time, Ruth maintained her passion for music by instructing piano lessons.

In 1953, she met Aniceto "Ceto" Lopez, a dashing young man only recently emigrated from Guatemala…and her future husband. To that union were born four children: Mario Lopez (deceased), Ricardo Lopez (deceased), Veronica Lopez, and Joseph Lopez.

Throughout her life, Ruth continued her academic pursuits. After graduating high school, she completed a number of technical programs during her time as an employee of the Burroughs Corporation, developing punch-card coding; she became a certified nursing assistant in the 80s while caring for her husband during his illness; and she would later complete the education and certification necessary to serve as an Ombudsman for the County of San Diego's Aging and Independence Services Agency, from where she retired... twice!

Ruth joined Greater Victory Baptist Church in the 1990s, where she was baptized by Reverend G.A. Williams and the late Pastor Sterling, A. Brown. She served on the Mother’s Board faithfully until her illness.

During the entirety of her illness, Ruth met each challenge with resilience and grace. Even in her pain, she emanated love, kindness, strength, humor, and above all, faith. Her life was a living example of her favorite Bible verse, Ephesians 4:32 — “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

In the twilight of her life, Ruth would spend her days relishing the serene tranquility of her garden with her daughter Veronica, catching up on her favorite "Shoot 'em Ups" (Westerns) with her granddaughter Dominique, and connecting with family and friends who often extended their prayers and loving support. In answer to prayer, Ruth was blessed to celebrate her 91st birthday this past March.

On the morning of August 27th, 2023, Ruth, a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie, and dear friend, departed this world, leaving behind the enduring gift of a smile as she drew her final breath and found eternal peace in the heavenly kingdom of God, with her daughter and granddaughter at her side.

Preceding her in death was her father and mother, Joseph and Iona Yates; husband, Aniceto Lopez; two sons, Ricardo Lopez and Mario Lopez; and her sister Mabel.

Remaining to celebrate her legacy are her sister Sylvia Brown, daughter Veronica Lopez (Hurvey) Jones, son Joseph Valentine Lopez, step-daughter Nelly Zuniga; grandchildren Dominique Cole (Owynn Patterson-Taylor), Javier Quintanar, Shanelle Lopez, Brooklyn Lopez, Briana Lopez, Brendan Lopez, Michael (Kai) Lopez, Alexandra Lopez, Max Lopez, Dora Zuniga, Victor Zuniga, Rolando Zuniga, and Lisette Zuniga; as well as six great-grandchildren and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

Sleep on Ruth and get your rest. We’ll see you in the morning!