Delores Ruiz

To Delores Ruiz, the entire world was a stage. An expressive, optimistic, and uninhibited individual, she was a performer in the theater of life. To everyone around her, she seemed to be eternally happy, and she willingly shared that joy with anyone whose life she touched. For Delores, bringing out the best in any situation was as easy as offering a smile, a witty remark or the twinkle of an eye. And with just those simple gestures, she could evoke the most pleasant of emotions. Delores really mastered the art of living and had great fun in doing so.

Delores was born on March 6, 1958 at Fresno County Hospital in Fresno, CA. Her parents were Cal Salazar (deceased) and Jovita Penuna. Delores was raised in Fresno, CA. Even as a child, Delores had the ability to lift the spirits of all those around her. She was raised to be warm, caring and friendly. She couldn't’t help but capture everyone’s attention. She was definitely a little bit of a show off, but in doing so, she succeeded in entertaining her entire family.

Always a good playmate, Delores was easygoing and fun loving. She managed to lighten the mood wherever she was, even during family squabbles. She seemed to have a knack for bringing compromise and erasing tense situations around the house. Due to a generous dose of common sense, Delores managed to find a satisfying solution to basic problems. Delores was raised with two siblings. She had one younger brother David Salazar and one younger sister Veronica Salazar (deceased).

All of Delores’ playful good humor carried over into her childhood. She was possessed with an outgoing personality, a lively imagination and a mellowed enthusiasm for life that allowed her to be constantly on the go. As a result, Delores experienced a rather active childhood, and this suited her very well. She took part in soccer.

Ask anyone who knew her from school and they would tell you that Delores was a class “cut-up.” She didn't’t do it to be unkind or to garner all the attention. Rather, Delores simply enjoyed others’ laughter and the sounds of her friends and acquaintances having a good time. It could be said that for Delores, grades may not have been the most important thing to her, but she really did enjoy her school experience. Since experience was Delores’ best teacher. She enjoyed hands-on learning and applying the “practical” approach to knowledge, rather than getting caught up in “theory.” Delores graduated from Roosevelt High, Fresno, CA in 1978. She enjoyed some courses more than others, having favorite classes and teachers. Her favorite class in high school was Spanish class.

Delores never actually encountered a stranger in her dealings with people. She was drawn to individuals and crowds, using her gregarious, adaptable and outgoing personality to captivate her audience. This quality allowed Delores to continually develop new relationships, ever widening her circle of friends. Delores delighted in her role among all her acquaintances, because she viewed them all as potential spectators for her performance. Whether it was a story, a joke, a song or just plain fooling around, Delores was always right at home putting on a show among her friends. Delores utilized her interest in others as a great way to connect with them. While growing up, some of her best friends were Vivian, Carol and Janie. Delores loved sharing life and having her home filled with people she knew.

Perhaps the reason Delores related so well to children was the fact that she never really completely grew up herself. The ability to be just a “kid at heart” helped her in raising her own children. Delores was blessed with three boys, Daniel Flores, Juan Flores and Enrique Gutierrez. They were also blessed with seven grandchildren, Lil Daniel, Lil Enrique, Arianna, Evan, Evelia, Talia and Gabriel. Delores had the ability to focus her attention on the present moment. If she was spending time with the kids, that’s where all of her attention was directed. Delores’ compassionate side prevented her from being a strict disciplinarian, and she could turn just about any situation into a playful, learning experience. She could spend hours entertaining them with fun and creative play. In fact, Delores had a knack for turning some of those nasty old chores into games.

At work, as in life, Delores was a real “people person.” She had a very successful way of dealing effectively with others, and her enthusiasm and energy was often contagious. Delores liked to see herself as something of a virtuoso. When dealing with various projects and problems, Delores was an adaptable realist, using her common sense and trusting her experiences and impulses to uncover the correct answer. Delores’ talent for being a down to earth thinker, allowed many around her to see Delores as an excellent problem solver. Her primary occupation was as a CNA. She was employed for 15 - 18 years as a CNA.

Delores enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. An “arts and crafts” type, Delores liked creating and making things. Her favorite pursuits were dancing, watching Bonanza and Little House on the Prairie, and being with family. Delores was content to enjoy her hobbies alone but was also willing to share her interests with others.

Living life in the fast lane suited Delores just fine. It is no surprise that she loved to travel and to visit new and different places. She was naturally curious about other parts of the world and loved the real life adventure that came from visiting them. She was impulsive and willing to try anything once. Favorite vacations included going to Pismo Beach.

Delores was a lover of animals and cherished her pets, enjoying them almost as much as she enjoyed being around other people. One of Delores’ favorites was Chiquita a Chihuahua dog. They were best friends for 4 years.

Delores believed that you had to experience life, and her life in retirement was no different. When that day finally arrived in 1990, Delores took it in stride as one more way to have fun. Her new life involved staying in Fresno, CA. With her boundless energy and a desire to get the most out of life, Delores remained busy with people and projects. In retirement, she found new pleasure in enjoying her kids and family and most of all her companion dog Chiquita. Even in retirement, Delores continued to stay in touch with her old friends and, since she'd never met a stranger, she made plenty of new acquaintances as well.

Delores passed away on January 22, 2012 at her mother's house in Fresno, CA. She fought a brave battle against liver failure. She is survived by her 3 boys, Danny, Juan and Enrique; mother Jovita; step-dad Isaac; seven grandchildren; one and only daughter-in-law Melissa and dog Chiquita. Services were held at Tinkler Funeral Chapel & Crematory. Delores was laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery in Fresno, CA.

Delores brought joy to all of those around her. She never had a mean bone in her body. She loved to have a good time and was an eternal optimist, always looking on the bright side of things. She loved to share her energy, wit, and her zest for all of her activities with her friends and family. Delores Ruiz lived life to its fullest and made everyone around her happier just for knowing her. She will be remembered with a smile.