Juanita D. Ruybal

October 2, 1918 - March 26, 2016

Juanita D. Ruybal, died in Denver on March 26, 2016. She was born 10/2/1918 in Antonito Colo. Preceded in death by her husband Gasper A. Ruybal and daughter Barbara Misner. She was a loving Mother and leaves behind her children to carry forward sweet memories. Surviving children include: Alonzo Ruybal of Denver, Augusta Scheetz (Greg) of Pocatello ID, Jim Ruybal (Cristine) of Littleton, Sandra Ruybal Applequist ( Craig) of Pinehurst, NC, and Andrea Ruybal Kaczmarek (Jim ) of Wheat Ridge. She has joined in death her siblings: Abe, Ida, Rose, Margaret, Cecelia, and Al DeHerrera. Grandmother to Brian, Sandi and Diann Scheetz, Lori Cervantes, Beth and Mark Ruybal, Eric, Crystal and Brian Applequist and Andrew Kaczmarek. Great Grandmother to Alexia and Dimitra Scheetz, Kate and Ben Duello, Nicholas Scheetz, Connor Rich, Violet Gaddy, and Luke Ruybal. She was a loving Sister to Pete, Lawrence, and Augustine DeHerrera, Rebecca McGeorge, and Teresa Lobato. Juanita's professional career was at the Federal Center in Lakewood where she worked for the United States Geological Survey as a Cartographic Technician until her retirement. As a devout Catholic she was a member and served as Lector for St. Mary Magdalene Church for 50 years. Also a member of Our Lady of Fatima Church for last 10 years when she moved to Westland Meridian. She volunteered her time to Catholic Charities. Juanita enjoyed singing. She was in several chorale groups. Another of her gifts was sewing. She was a master at making clothing designs and patterns for her sisters, children and grandchildren. Anything from coats and prom dresses to wedding gowns she could sew with exquisite detail and style. She was raised in Southern Colorado in the San Luis Valley with the Sangre de Christos on the east and the San Juan Mountains on the west. Her deceased parents, Rosenaldo DeHerrera and Rebecca Lobato DeHerrera both born in 1890 were married in 1913 and Homesteaded a ranch in Antonito, Co. where they raised 12 children. She met and married Gasper A. Ruybal and they moved to Denver where they raised their 6 Children. She was a dedicated and loving wife, Mother, and Grandmother, daughter and sister. She made many friends at the Westland Meridian where she lived for the last 11 years. She passed peacefully and comfortable surrounded by family. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Juanita DeHerrera Ruybal

My mother was a wonderfully intelligent role model of love and charity. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She formed life-long friendships, and worked tirelessly for her family, friends and the poor.

Mom was born in 1918, one of 12 children that were raised on a 360 acre ranch in Antonito, Colorado. She could ride, drive a team of horses, herd cattle and sheep, milk cows, and drive a tractor. She graduated from a small rural school in Antonito and attended Adams State College.

Mom met our dad, Gaspar, at a dance in Alamosa. He was a barber, and also sold mail order suits---so he was a very cool guy!!! In 1937, they married and moved to Denver, where Dad went to work for the Rio Grande Railroad, from which he retired after 35 years. Mom eventually went to work for the government as a cartographer at the U.S. Department of Geological Survey. Together, they raised 6 children, working long and hard hours to ensure that each of their children received a solid Catholic education. In this they succeeded, as we all were fortunate enough to graduate from a Catholic high school.

In addition to being a grandmother to 10, and a great-grandmother to 7 wonderful children, Mom:

Was a Lector at her church for 40 years

Was a fabulous seamstress who designed & made beautiful homecoming, prom and wedding dresses for her daughters

Made armaments at Gates during the War

Was a volunteer at Catholic Charities Emergency Assistance Center, helping poor families find housing

Helped many of her children and grandchildren pass their Spanish classes in high school and college

Was extremely proud of her Spanish heritage and her ancestors, who came to the San Luis Valley in the late 1600’s

Mom loved her family, she loved her friends, and she loved Jesus.

Rosary will be at 7:00pm on Tues. 3/29 with Funeral Mass, 1:00pm Wed 3/30, both at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 1985 Miller St. Lakewood 80215, with cremation to follow. Gifts to Samaritan House Homeless Shelter Denver, 2301 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80205.