Ruth Vargas Morales

Ruth “Cuca” Morales, a resident of Fullerton, California, passed away on November 27, 2017. Her husband of 40 years, Peter Morales, preceded her in death as did her eldest daughter, Vivian; daughter-in-law, Denise; granddaughter, Lena; and son-in-law, Dennis. She was 90.   Born April 26, 1927 in the "Tia Juanita Camp” of Bastanchury Ranch, Cuca was the first child of Cruz and Refugio (Ruth) Vargas. Cuca was a precocious and inquisitive child who enjoyed spending time with her grandpa as he planned dances for the six colonias of the Ranch, helping her mother make homemade tortillas, and playing with her younger brothers, Freddie, Jose Salvador, and Cruz. With the exception of the loss of her brother, Jose Salvador (who passed from pneumonia at age one), Cuca had very fond memories of growing up on the Ranch and was featured in the April 11, 2013 issue of the OC Weekly documenting this experience in “The Lost Mexicans of the Bastanchury Ranch”.   In 1935, Cuca and her family moved to La Habra's Alta Vista. Additional children, Carlos, Isabel (Chavela), Salvador (Chava), and Benny were born. Cuca adored her siblings and cherished being a big sister and, in some ways, a surrogate mother (as she often teased). Freddie, Cruz, and Chava preceded her in death.   A stunning beauty, Cuca caught the eye of the love of life, Peter in 1943. They were married on November 23, 1946. Together they raised their seven children in a home they purchased in 1955 (Cuca resided in this home until her death.). An exceptional role model, Cuca was strong-willed, resilient, selfless, and supportive. She took great pride in nurturing and raising her family which she consistently showed through her loyalty and devotion. In the words of the psalmist, “her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her” (Proverbs 31: 28)—this was Cuca!   Although caring for a large family certainly kept her going, Cuca kept busy in other ways as well. She was employed with the Hunt Foods tomato processing plant in Fullerton, which had been one of Southern California's largest food canneries; and Emerson (formerly Beckman Industries) where she worked in production. She retired from Emerson in 1993.   During her retirement years, Cuca remained active. She was an excellent cook with phenomenal culinary skills—no one could resist her cuisine! This was especially true of her enchiladas, chili con carne, and mole. As well, she was an exquisite dancer, who epitomized grace, energy and sophistication on the dance floor; and an exceptional storyteller whose words and imagery would keep you engaged for hours. Her greatest joys included family gatherings, listening and dancing to mariachi music, watching her novellas, and sharing morning coffee with her daughters, Clara and Diane and her granddaughter, Sarah. She also enjoyed gardening (especially tending to her roses) and collecting angels which she strategically placed within her home and throughout her front yard. A devout Catholic, Cuca made the most of every day. She was honest, kind, and good natured with a tender and genuine heart. A blessing to everyone she met, Cuca fully embraced life and was so proud to witness her family tree blossom to include numerous branches of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. There was no greater gift in Cuca’s life than her family, and she did her best to shower all with an abundance of unconditional love. Life will never be the same without her, but Cuca leaves behind a timeless legacy that her loved ones will proudly cherish and strive to exemplify.   She is survived by her children (and their spouses): Clara Morales, Diane Morales, Peter Morales, Jr (Dorothy), Charles Morales (Madalia), George Morales, Tim Morales (Luella); ten grandchildren: Vina, Sarah, Sonya, Rosanne, Theresa, Christina, Vincent, Marisa, Cassandra, Mia; fourteen great-grandchildren Valentino, Joseph, Taylor, Bobby, Isaac, Destiny, Iris, Leilah, Leilani, Isabella, Manual, Andrew, Alexandria, Alexander; and one great-great grandchild, Jayla-Rose.   A vigil including a rosary prayer service will be held on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., Mc Aulay & Wallace in Fullerton; funeral mass will be held the following day, December 13, at 10 a.m., St. Mary’s Parish of Fullerton; followed by rite of committal and interment, Holy Sepulcher of Orange.