Ruth - Herek

Ruth Leos Herek, a beloved mother, grandmother, and matriarch whose life spanned a full century of resilience, love, and quiet strength, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026, at the age of 100. Born on October 10, 1925, in El Paso, Texas, Ruth was the daughter of Pablo and Felicitas Leos, who fled Chihuahua, Mexico, between 1915 and 1919 to escape the dangers of the Mexican Revolution and settled in El Paso.

She grew up with four brothers and two sisters—Pablo, Edelia, Hugo, Oscar, and Irma—and lived in Chihuahua, Mexico until the family relocated to Pecos, Texas. During World War II, Ruth proudly served her country as a civilian volunteer for the United States Air Force, carefully folding parachutes to support the war effort. After the war, she moved to Los Angeles, where in 1945 she met the love of her life, Paul Herek, a Navy veteran. They married in 1947 and settled into a modest home in Alhambra, California, where they raised seven children together: Michael, Mark, David, Bruce, Alana, Paul, and Vanessa.

Ruth’s life was defined by her devotion to family. She celebrated her greatest milestone on October 10, 2025—her 100th birthday—surrounded by generations of loved ones who traveled from Mexico, Texas, and family from the Midwest to honor her. In a heart-warming speech that moved everyone to tears, Ruth reflected on a lifetime of blessings, then danced joyfully until the party ended. The historic occasion was featured on KTLA 5 News, bringing smiles to viewers across Southern California and capturing the spirit of a woman who lived with grace, gratitude, and an unbreakable zest for life.

Ruth is survived by five of her children: Michael, Mark, Alana, Paul, and Vanessa, along with 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Paul, and sons David and Bruce.

Though words cannot fully capture the light she brought into the world, Ruth’s legacy lives on in the family she built and the stories she inspired. Her journey from the shadows of revolution to a century of American dreams remains a testament to courage and love.