Ruth C. Garcia

Ruth Cotten Garcia died peacefully on Wednesday, December 14, 2011, at the age of 84. She was the cherished wife of attorney Luis R. Garcia, who died in 1996. She is survived by her daughter, Felice Garcia Sieffert; son-in-law, Gregory Sieffert; her grandson, Zachary Sieffert and his wife, Penny Roberts; her sister, Lucille Cotten Wilson; and her sister-in-law, Helen San Roman. She will also be missed by her longtime friend and companion, Rosario Magaña, and her husband Max. She leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews whose lives were enriched and guided by her love, intelligence, and wisdom.

Mrs. Garcia was the first Hispanic President of the Texas Bar Auxiliary and a leader in numerous community organizations. It was an abiding belief in access to justice that led her to become a mediator in 1984 at the Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center , where she served as a volunteer mediator and trainer until very recently. Through this work, Mrs. Garcia helped hundreds of people settle disputes of all kinds. She was recognized for her service, receiving the Dispute Resolution Center ’s first Distinguished Service Award. In addition, she served on the Board of the National Association for Community Mediation. An avid reader, Ms. Garcia was the author of the book, Como Decìa Mama, a collection of her mother’s Mexican dichos, or sayings, that are both humorous and philosophical. Mrs. Garcia was a role model for the women in her family and countless others whose lives she touched. Her sense of humor and perspective are also part of her great legacy. She was a constant advocate, mentor, and supportive presence who will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on Sunday, December 18, 2011 at the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Entombment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park .