Sylvia Barrios

Sylvia came to California in 1959 and lived most of her youth in Sanger, California. She graduated from Sanger High School in 1967. Following graduation, she continued her education, taking colleges courses and worked. In 1968, the family moved to Fresno, CA to their beloved home on Wilson Street.

Sylvia held several jobs during her life, she enjoyed working as a teacher’s aide serving elementary school children, including English learners which partly fulfilled her wish to be a teacher, assisted patients as a Spanish language interpreter at Valley Medical Center and exercised her math skills as a bookkeeper/office assistant for the County of Fresno. Sylvia retired from public service in 2011.

Sylvia had two sons, Richard and David who she raised and nurtured as a single mom. She enjoyed spending time with her sons, loving them unconditionally, encouraging them and guiding them through life in her gentle way. Sylvia had several grandchildren – all were her treasures. She enjoyed spending time with them, picking them up from school, taking them to McDonalds for a special treat, playing with them in the yard and most importantly modeling to them, kindness, patience and compassion. Sylvia was much loved by her husband, Frank who was her partner, friend and caregiver - keeping his promise to be by her side to the end.

Sylvia was a mighty woman of faith, through times of difficulty and times of joy, she trusted God. She exhibited Jesus through her acts of kindness and support to family, friends and strangers, alike. Sylvia enjoyed attending church and bible studies, listening to worship music, and especially loved talking about prophecy as she awaited Jesus’ return.

Sylvia enjoyed watching old movies, among her favorites were The Ten Commandments, It’s a Wonderful Life, Dirty Dancing, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Pirates of the Caribbean (Jack Sparrow) and Ghost. She would cheer on the Pittsburgh Steelers on game days. She also loved her pets, from Charlie to Coco, Patches to Milo. Sylvia was a bit cooking challenged, but boy could she make a great pot of coffee, and her green Jello will never be forgotten.

Sylvia was preceded in death by her parents, John and Soledad Barrios. She is survived by her husband, Francisco Ruiz, sons, Richard Olivera and wife, Sara Olivera, David Munoz and wife, Valerie Munoz, and Eric Ruiz; siblings, Annie Copner and husband James Copner, Henry Barrios and wife, Ann Barrios and Melissa Barrios; grandchildren Sean Munoz, Melia Munoz, Bryce Olivera, Maddox Olivera, Luna Munoz, Catalina Ruiz, Cerina Ruiz, Dawson Potter and Dustin Potter; nieces and nephew, Denise Priest, Julie Barrios, Alyse Braaten, and Matthew Barrios and many beloved extended family members and friends.

Sylvia is now at peace, fully healed and in the presence of Jesus!

Services for Sylvia include a 10:00am visitation followed by an 11:00am Celebration of Life on Thursday July 23, 2026, at Funeraria Del Angel (Tinkler), 475 North Broadway Fresno, CA 93701. Interment immediately following at Fresno Memorial Gardens.

Special thanks to Hinds Life Care (Hospice), Funeraria Del Angel (Tinkler), Fresno Memorial Gardens, Kaiser Permanente and Pastor Abraham Torres.

Family condolences may be posted at www.dignitymemorial.com