Ruth Cruz Naval

Ruth was born in 1952 to Felipe Cruz and Francisca Santos in the Philippines. Ruth was one of seven siblings and she was very proud of her family and of her hometown Cainta. The full list of her siblings are: Crispin, Roberto, Rolando, Fe, Catalino, and Victor. Ruth would later have a step-father named Guillermo, who cared deeply for both Ruth and Ruth's mother.

While attending nursing college, Ruth was introduced to her husband Mario Naval via Mario's younger sister. That sister, Arceli, was also Ruth's nursing classmate and they graduated together.

Before long, Ruth and Mario married while still in the Philippines and had one daughter, Michelle. They soon moved to San Diego, California, where they added two boys to the family, Michael and John.

Francisca, Ruth’s mom, lived in the home and helped Ruth and Mario raise their three children whilst providing Ruth a constant reminder of her roots. Ruth tried her best to live an exemplary life so that she could act as a sponsor to many of her siblings and to her parents.

Ruth spent her entire career as a pediatric nurse, and she often worked both a day shift and a night shift to provide for her family. Ruth’s career in nursing lasted for 20+ years until she was forced to retire due to injury.

Ruth worked hard and she played hard. After Ruth retired, she spent much of her time tending to a backyard garden and travelling abroad. After being widowed, Ruth found solace in hanging out with her friends at local casinos and in attending family parties.

Ruth's best friends were a contingent of her nursing school alumni. Although they were not blood-related, they were like sisters to Ruth and were there for Ruth from college up through her final days.

Those that knew Ruth may remember she liked to laugh, she enjoyed going out, she liked taking the lead, and that she always tried her best at everything she did. She is survived by two of her brothers, Victor and Catalino, and also by her three children, Michelle, Michael, and John.

Ruth's memorial services will be held on June 27, 2025, at 12 noon, at her family's San Diego parish Good Shepherd Church. Her committal services will take place soon thereafter, at 2:15 p.m., at Miramar National Cemetery where Ruth will be laid to rest next to her late husband. Flowers or donations made in Ruth's name, care of the Naval Family Revocable Living Trust, are appreciated.

Her family wishes a special thanks to all those who knew Ruth and helped her, whether it was only when she was young, if it was only in her latter or years, or if if was throughout her lifetime.