Doris Ruiz

Doris Ruiz

Ventura, CA

Doris Ruiz was a woman of tremendous inner strength, keen intelligence, and irrepressible joy. She was quick to laugh and knew the power of humor as communication, but also wasn't shy to stand up for what she knew was her right. She always lived her life as if the world would know what she was doing; always choosing the "right" way even when it was the hard way.

Doris was born Doris Virginia Whittington on April 22, 1930 in Colorado to Ruth and Donald Whittington. During the "Grapes of Wrath" timeframe, the family moved to Ventura, CA. where Doris enrolled in, and later graduated from Ventura High School. Doris left us for the last time in the afternoon of Tuesday, May, 12, 2015. She died of natural causes.

Doris married Jay Davis in 1950 and had three children three years apart: Jarold, Donald, and David. The family enjoyed many years of camping and later, ocean sailing. Many summer vacations were spent anchored off of Santa Cruz Island. Doris and Jay divorced in 1969.

Doris worked for a number of insurance companies, and spent her latest years of employment with the Ventura High School district, where she met Vincent Ruiz. After several years of friendship, Doris and Vince were married at Community Presbyterian Church in October of 1977. Vince and Doris were the cynosure of grandparents. Vince died in May of 2000 due to complications from smoking.

Doris' struggle with Alzheimer's disease has come to an end and she is now whole. I know that she would understand why we are sad, but I also know that she would want us all to find the joy in whatever situation we find ourselves.

She is survived by her brother Paul Whittington, her children David, Donald, and Jarold Davis and her grandchildren Matthew, Katelin, Erynne, Trystan, Eleanor, Jasmina, and her great-grandchildren Peter and William.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 18, at 2:00 pm at the Community Presbyterian Church, 1555 Poli Street, Ventura.