August 31, 1936 – January 21, 2026

Fred J. Ruybal, age 89, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and prayer, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humility, and quiet strength. Born on August 31, 1936, in Conejos, Colorado, Fred remained rooted in the community that shaped him, spending most of his life close to the land and the people he loved.

Fred's heart was always centered on the home; his personal dream was to have a large family, and he was blessed with seven children and many generations to follow. He was a man of deep responsibility who took great pride in caring for those he loved, most notably in the many years of dedicated care and devotion he provided for his mother and mother-in-law, Clementina Gonzalez and Ana Maria Quintana.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Anita, with whom he shared nearly 50 years of devotion; his mother-in-law, Ana Maria Quintana, his mother, Clementina Gonzalez his Father Fred Ruybal, Sr. Clementina's brother Juan Andres Gonzalez, his brothers, Joe Martinez, and Juan Ruybal and grandson Nicholas (Karen and James son). Cydia Sanchez (aunt) and her husband Zach Sanchez and (cousins) Marcy, Joe, Martha, Gussie and (Johnny and Leon) Ruybal daughter Rachel and her baby Avery.

He is survived by his children: James (Karen), Nancy, Carolyn (John), Tony (Kate), George (Irma), Theresa (Gilbert), and Freddie Jr.. His sister-in-law, Berna Ruybal, also survives with their family Johnny, Rosie, Lupita, Margie, Lisa, Liz and grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Fred's legacy lives on through his children and his 21 grandchildren: Ryan, wife (Nena) Jamilia and (Thomas) Jamie and husband (Colton) Kendra (Felipe), Shawn, Marina (Terra) Michael, Myriah, Madison, Ashlyn, Kaden, Kirsten, Lillianna, DeAndre, Olivia, Owen, Alexandra, Zachary, Jace, Brynn, and Brayden. He was also the proud great-grandfather of 16 great-grandchildren: Mayleigh, Braelynn, Blake, Liam, Mila, Shaylene, Brooklyn, Kailynn, Jaylah, Meekah, Adaline, Nia, Penelope, Violet, Sutton, and Soren.

A lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Parish, Fred lived his faith in Jesus Christ through simple acts of generosity and steadfast service. As an agricultural laborer, he embraced the dignity of hard work. Outside of the fields, he found his greatest joy in fishing and gardening, tending the earth with the same patience and care he offered his family.

Fred will be remembered for his strong faith, and as a kind, humble, and softspoken man whose presence brought comfort and peace. His life was a quiet blessing to all who knew him, and his memory will continue to take root in the hearts of his family and the community of Conejos. Fred's family would like to thank everyone for the generous GoFundMe donations.

A Recitation of the Rosary will be held 6:00 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2026, followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial 11:00 am on Friday, January 30, 2026, both at the Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Conejos, Colorado. Interment will follow services in the La Jara Cemetery.

Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of the arrangements. To leave online words of comfort, remembrances of Fred, or tributes for his family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com