Ruth Lopez Torres

Refugia (Ruth) Lopez Torres, affectionately known to her friends as Cuca, passed away peacefully on June 3, 2024. Born on July 30, 1925 in Oxnard, to Manuel Cuevas Lopez and Isabel Martinez Lopez, Ruth was the middle child of brothers Leopold, Gilberto, Manuel, and Joe. At age seven, after mother Isabel passed away from tuberculosis, Ruth became the caretaker for her brothers, including little brother Manuel who also battled TB. Ruth attended Rio Elementary School and Oxnard High School.

In her 20s, Ruth worked in Oxnard's lemon and chili packing houses to support her family. Eventually, Ruth saw an advertisement for a typist position at the Port Hueneme Naval Base. Determined to qualify, she saved up to buy a typewriter and took night classes to improve her typing skills. Her dedication paid off, and she embarked on a long career at the base, advancing from Typist to Systems Supply Analyst, and was nominated for a National Women’s Award.

During this time, Ruth married Candelario Torres, with whom she had two daughters she loved immensely, Christine (Tina) and Irene (Rene). The family was active in organizations like Oxnard Sister Cities, hosting numerous families over the years, and enjoyed many camping trips to the beach and lakes around Ventura County.

Despite not having a formal degree, Ruth was known and respected as trusted advisor to her family, and educated herself by reading and following both local and world events. She was particularly devoted to her brother Dr. Manuel M Lopez, working to support his optometry office as well his successful campaigns for Councilmember and, eventually, Mayor of Oxnard. She worked for many more years after retirement supporting her family as their beloved matriarch.

Later in life, Ruth enjoyed most of all seeing her grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's school and sporting events, often accompanied by her daughters.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and siblings. She is survived by her daughters Christine Kessler and Irene Rauschenberger, grandchildren Veronica, Vanessa, Robert, and John, as well as her great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and family friends, who all lovingly called her "Grandma."

The family wishes to thank Ronald and Divine and the staff of Delphinium Manor for their care of “Mama” during her final years.

A memorial and celebration of life for Ruth will be held at 10:00 AM on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at Reardon Funeral Home at 511 N A Street, Oxnard, CA 93030.

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