Elvia Ruiz

Elvia retired from the US Forest Service as a Data Base Manager and Hispanic Program Coordinator, after serving over 20 years in civil service. She spent much of her retirement volunteering with such organizations as the Gresham Senior Center, which earned her the title of Senior Role Model in 2001 and the Older Adult Service & Information System, Oasis, where she was also honored as an Outstanding Volunteer. She spent most of her time teaching Spanish classes and teaching English to Spanish speaking children and adults. She also volunteered in the Gresham Public Schools, helping students learn English.

Survivors include her four children, Patrick Gándara of Camas WA, Cecilia (Ray) Baize of Clovis NM, Pila (Daryl) Meininger of Camas WA, Chris (Melinda) Gándara of Gresham OR; 9 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and all her siblings; Consuelo, Julia, Enriqueta, Maria Louisa, Aurora, and Armando.

Elvia has been cremated and her ashes will be scattered at Mt Hood at a later date.