Ruby Laponis

Ruby was a true jewel. She brought her vibrant, Puerto Rican spunk and love of life to all. She had a rare gift for brightening a room, sharing a smile, and making everyone around her feel genuinely happy inside.

A graduate of Fontana High School, Ruby earned an A.A. degree from Chaffey College and then a B.A. in Social and Behavioral Sciences from Cal State San Bernardino (1976). For 40 years, Ruby was a cornerstone of the Automobile Club of Southern California as a Member Service Specialist. She approached four decades of service with profound devotion, dignity, reliability and her personal touch, which profoundly impacted her colleagues and all those she helped.

Ruby was deeply devoted to the people and commitments she held close. A part of Sacred Heart Church in Rancho Cucamonga since 1966, she grew up in and around her parish. Over the years Ruby served the Sacred Heart community as Eucharistic Minister, Homebound Minister, Faith Formation teacher and volunteered in the parish office. She was an active member of Catholic Daughters of America and was a member of the Sacred Heart Rosary group.

Throughout life, Ruby had resilient strength and a deep sense of purpose that guided the way she lived and served others. She embraced the sentiment “Give Love, Gather Love” and exemplified it every day. She loved sports, people, and music.

Ruby was married to Mike Laponis for 48 years, and was a devoted mother to their son, Christopher (Courtney) and all her grandchildren. As a beloved sister, wife, sister-in-law, mother, grandmother, aunt, cousin, and godmother, family and friends remained at the heart of her life. She will be remembered with enduring love by those who knew her best.