Yolanda Ruata Smith

Mrs. Smith hired me as an outreach consultant and resource specialist at El Sereno Junior High School. She was a wonderful principal, always fair, and caring. I always felt supported by her and enjoyed our chats on various topics. She was a lovely, classy person. The last time I saw her was at her retirement party. I will always remember her.

I think about Yolanda often and still miss her. I remember the advice she gave me and how she handled herself during parent meetings. They loved her because of her beautiful Spanish and the jokes she would share. I loved her because I felt that she really cared about the students and everyone that she supervised. I loved her because I felt she cared about me too!

"This final day of El Dia de Los Muertas, we remember Yolanda fondly with continued prayers for peace in the hearts of her family. We always enjoyed her bright and witty sense of fun, along with her laughter. We admired her for her strength, passion and fierce loyalty to family and loved ones in her community. She was a very powerful individual who truly touched the lives of many. We were saddened by her passing but know that she and Tomas are carrying on with the Lord while watching us all here. With love, the Estvans."

Yolanda was not only my boss for four years but like a mother to me. She was caring and gave very good advice. I will miss her laughter, smile and humor. My favorite joke was the one of the monkey in a bar. I loved when she told that joke. Her eyes had a sparkle when she spoke about Tomas and her family. She touched my life in a way that only few have done.