Lifetime San Luis Valley resident Roberta Urcellia Ruybal, 79, passed away in the San Luis Care Center on May 25, 2017. Roberta was born March 22, 1938 in Ft. Garland, Colorado to Elias and Antonia Martinez.

Roberta spent her life as a sales woman and had an eye for spotting fine jewelry. Her keen eye led to her not only having a career later in life as a jewelry sales associate, but also led her to enjoy shopping for and collecting some of the most beautiful pieces you’ve ever seen. Her favorite thing to do was go shopping with her sisters and doing so made the bond between them grow continually. Until her health would no longer allow her to do so, she would visit as many siblings as she could as often as possible. Her niece Pammy would occasionally pick up Roberta and her sisters and take them all out to eat. Roberta absolutely loved good sea food, on more than one occasion they all spent hours at all you can eat crab leg day at Gold Casino. Roberta’s zest for life led her to travel throughout her many years collecting memories and growing closer to those she loved so much.

Roberta is survived by her loving husband, Pete Ruybal of Alamosa. Her son Jeffrey (Patricia) Fernandez of Fairport, NY. Her siblings; Edna Martinez of Alamosa, Co, Alice Aragon of Alamosa, Co, and Caroline Gonzalez of Amalia, NM. As well as six grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and numerous other extended family members and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; Elias and Antonia Martinez. Her infant daughter, Audrey Lynn Fernandez. Her brother Elias Martinez. And her sister Elva Alire.

Cremation was chosen and entrusted to Rogers Family Mortuary of Alamosa. A Recitation of the Rosary will be held at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Alamosa on Thursday, June 1, 2017 at7:00 P.M. A Memorial Mass will also be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Friday, June 2, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. with inurnment of ashes to follow services at the Alamosa City Cemetery.