RUBY SANCHES GARCIA

Ruby Garcia passed away on Wednesday, March 16. 2016, at the age of 105, surrounded by her family. She was born on December 12, 1910, in Laton, CA, to Antonio Sanches from Michoacan, Mexico, and Isabel Romero Sanches, a native American Miwok from the Hornitos area. Ruby and Tito "Margarito" Garcia met in the spring and were married on December 20, 1917, in Fresno, CA. They settled into a life of farming, and in 1945, were able to buy their 80 acre ranch on Cedar Avenue near Monmouth. They raised raisin, table and wine grapes, as well as four children, Eddie, Harry, Evelyn and Judy. They both actively participated in many community organizations and were members of the Portuguese social Organization I.D.E.S.; the Nisei Farmers League; The Fresno County Farm Bureau; The Raisin Bargaining Association; and Allied Grape Growers. Her huband passed away on January 25, 1960. Ruby, tall at five foot seven inches, was always a strong, energetic and an independent woman. She took over the farming operation until she sold it to her son Eddie in 1976. She continued living on the ranch and enjoyed canning and pickling her home grown fruit and vegetables. She was presented many awards at the Caruthers Fair, and The Big Fresno Fair. Family and friends were always looking forward to her home canned olives, pickles and jams. Ruby's independence and initiative inspired many of the young women in her large family and circle of friends. They saw her as a role model that young Latin women could accomplish their dreams. Ruby Garcia is survived by her children, Eddie Garcia, Harry Garcia and wife Lynda, Evelyn Facio, and Judy Jaeger and husband John; 14 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff for the loving care she received, both at home and at the Golden Living Center; especially to her grand nephew, Henry Sandoval; and her longtime caregiver, Rosa Lopez. A Viewing will be held at Farewell Page Funeral Chapel, 2014 Arrants Street, Selma, CA 93662, on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. Directly following, interment will be held at Floral Memorial Park, 2430 Floral Ave., Selma, CA. A Reception to follow at the Selma Portuguese Hall, 1245 Nebraska Ave., Selma, CA.