Guadalupe Duran Gonzales

Guadalupe Gonzales, also known as Ruby, 76, of Santa  Ana passed away on February 14, 2021.   She bravely and courageously battled COVID for two months before being called Home.  For a woman so loved and who loved so strongly, it was fitting that she passed on a day of love.

Ruby is survived by her husband Robert, her 3 children; Robert, Christopher (Angie), and Aimee Gonzales, 2 grandchildren; Cole and Knox Bagley, sisters; Margie (Joe) Ramirez, Linda (Ron) Ruvalcava, Benetta (Jack) Brito, Eileen (Nick) Perez and sister-in-law Mary Muñoz.

 She was born to parents Bernardo and Agnes Muñoz on December 12, 1944 in Delta, Colorado. Ruby often spoke fondly about her childhood and growing up with her five siblings. She is preceded in death by her loving parents, her baby brother Mateo and best friend Brother Bob.

Her family relocated to Orange County in 1955 where she attended School of Our Lady in Santa Ana, Bolsa Grande High School in Garden Grove, graduated from Mater Dei High School (’62) and received her AA in English from Santa Ana College. Ruby’s first job at the Post Office is where she met her lifetime friend, Alice Aguilar. She took so much pride in being a hard worker. 

In 1970, she met the love of her life, Robert Gonzales at a wedding reception and was promptly proposed to on their first date. Though she took only three weeks to answer, their love proved true and lasting.  During their last two months together, they would also become a beautiful example of “for better or for worse.” On October 14, 2020 they celebrated 48 years of marriage. 

While getting three kids to school every day, Ruby became very active at St. John the Baptist Parish in Costa Mesa. She was an involved parent; often helping as room mother, traffic director and co-chaired the school fashion show. After seeing her children through St. John’s she returned to work in Santa Ana Unified Schools; first in food service at Santa Ana High and ending as a teacher’s aide at McFadden Intermediate.

Ruby was often described as friendly, creative, smart, funny and thoughtful. She was a talented baker and creator of all things quirky and original. She took pride in her witty humor and her quick knack for making puns. Ruby was an avid reader and often offered to help other seniors learn to read at the Southwest Senior Center while waiting for her grandsons who were attending preschool there.  She had the innate ability to make one feel special and valued.  She was silly, playful and a devoted grandma to her two grandsons. They described her as “kooky, a great baker, great teacher and a wonderful human being.” Her family and friends were everything to her.

In lieu of funeral services and to honor we ask that all who wish to participate make a memorial contribution in her name. Please consider these organizations:

Literacy Project Foundation (www.literacyprojectfoundation.org)

Anxiety and Depression Association of America (adaa.org)

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Guadalupe Duran Gonzales, please visit our floral store.