Ruby Ramirez Franco

1939 - 2016

April 4, 1939 - August 24, 2016
Ruby Ramirez Franco, 77, of Robstown, Texas, passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2016 in San Antonio, Texas. She was born April 4, 1939 in Driscoll, Texas to Arturo Ramirez and Estella Rowland Ramirez. The Ramirez children went to school at El Nopal Grade School, where all the hispanic kids went up to the 5th grade. It was hard because the children didn't speak English, the teachers didn't speak spanish. In 1950 the family moved from Driscoll to Robstown. After high school, Ruby married Eradio V. Franco. After receiving her LVN license in 1970, she worked nights while going to school during the day. She received her RN license in November, 1972. She worked at Riverside Hospital and for Dr. Bruce's practice in Annaville for several years. She worked as a state surveyor of nursing homes for the Department of Health for 15 years. She was known as tough, but fair, always a patient advocate. She was later consultant for nursing homes and known for her expertise. In 1992, she opened GCI which became one of the largest agencies in South Texas with over 200 employees. Ruby was loyal to her employees and her clients and would help her staff and patients anyway possible. She also operated GCI Adult Day Care Center where she interacted with clients daily. This is where her passion for music emerged. Eventually, Ruby began singing with Chano Cadena. They recorded several CD's she was very proud of and had a loyal following. She continued to work as a consulting nurse for several agencies, even after she had four back surgeries. She also continued her love of music. Ruby worked a week before being diagnosed with cancer on September 15, 2015. Mom longed to go back to work, even while she battled cancer Love of family was above all else important to her. Our mother had a deep impact in many lives, not only her family. Her hobbies were gardening, singing, gambling ( loved Vegas) With an amazing sense of style, Mom loved to shop. She was beautiful inside and out and will truly be missed. We love you Mom! She was preceded in death by her parents and grandson, Dustin H. Knoblauch. She is survived by her children, Julie (Roland) Knoblauch, Ronnie (Cathy McFatter) Franco and Cindy Franco; her sister, Marilu Ramirez; her brothers, Arthur (Janie) Ramirez and Joe (Sylvia) Ramirez; grandchildren, Ashley Knoblauch, Peyton Franco and Paige Franco; numerous nieces and nephews.
The Rosary will be recited at 7 P.M. Friday, August 26, 2016 at Sawyer-George Funeral Home Chapel.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1 P.M. Saturday, August 27, 2016 at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church on FM 624 with Rev. Bill Marquis as celebrant. Services will conclude at the church. Funeral services entrusted to Sawyer-George Funeral Home, Inc., 12497 Leopard Street, Corpus Christi, Texas 78410. (361) 242-3205