Ruth Joy Oliveros

Ruth Joy Oliveros (Dietz) returned to her loving Heavenly Father on March 24, 2025 after an extended illness. Ruth was born to Jacob and Sadie Dietz on May 8, 1945 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was the fifth of six children and named “Joy” as the long-hoped for and only daughter of her parents. Ruth was truly a joy to all who knew her and especially to her husband and six children who will miss her immensely.

Ruth was raised by loving parents who doted on their shy and book-smart child. She grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and graduated from Granite High School in 1963. Ruth loved spending time with her mother and particularly enjoyed going to dinner and a show when her dad and brothers would go pheasant hunting. Ruth helped in the family’s dry-cleaning store and learned from her mother’s tireless work ethic and her father’s generosity, both of which Ruth exemplified in her life. Surrounded by five good-natured brothers, Ruth was certainly teased growing up, but she fondly remembered her brothers always looking out for her too. Ruth would cherish annual trips to Utah for family reunions at her oldest brother Tom’s house, where 70+ family members would gather.

After high school, Ruth got her nursing degree at Westminster College. With a strong faith and a desire to serve her Savior, Jesus Christ, Ruth embarked on a full-time mission from 1966 to 1968 in France. Her example and life-long devotion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints would influence many of her sons and grandchildren to do the same. After completing her mission, Ruth returned home and began working as a nurse in a Tuberculosis Clinic through the University of Utah in Salt Lake City, Utah. It was there that she met the love of her life, Dr. Rene Oliveros, to whom she would be married for 55 wonderful years. Ruth and Rene were sealed in the Salt Lake City Temple on October 4, 1972.

Ruth and Rene moved around a lot during the first few years of their marriage while Rene completed additional medical training as a Cardiologist. In 1976, the Air Force brought them to San Antonio, Texas, which they made their permanent home and raised their 6 children, Lizzy, David, Robert, Jimmy, Johnny, and Laura. Ruth poured her heart and soul into raising her children. Ruth often took time to make each of her children know how special they were to her. She volunteered at their schools, took them to special breakfasts, spent hours at unappreciated piano lessons, helped with homework, and was always happy to listen and give her children great advice. Those long talks with mom will be sorely missed! Ruth also always fulfilled her church callings, including some of her favorites as compassionate service coordinator, primary teacher, and member of Relief Society presidencies. Ruth loved holidays and made them special. Halloween and Christmas were her favorites and she went all-out on fun decorations and cooked elaborate meals. Sugar cookies and marshmallow holiday wreaths were a must. Ruth also always made a special cheesecake for Rene, his favorite. Ruth loved her children and 24 grandchildren very much and was fiercely loyal. As she got older and struggled with health issues, she always asked about each of her grandchildren by name and enjoyed their accomplishments.

Ruth is survived by her husband, all her children, and her older brothers, Tom and Jim.

“You never said I’m leaving, you never said goodbye. You were gone before we knew it, and only God knew why. A million times we needed you, a million times we cried. If love alone could have saved you, you never would have died. In life we loved you dearly, in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place that no one could ever fill. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you didn’t go alone. For part of us went with you, the day God took you home.” – Author Unknown.

We love you dearly and miss you, Mom, until we meet again!

There will be a viewing at 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM on Friday, April 4, 2025, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints at 25479 Bulverde Road, San Antonio, Texas 78261.

Please donate to the San Antonio Food Bank in lieu of flowers.