Ruth Ann Chavez

Ruth Ann Chavez
September 26, 1931- October 15, 2023

Ruth passed peacefully, after being blessed and called to God, preceded in death by her
loving husband Ernest Chavez, her granddaughter Cassandra Van Gundy, survived by her
four daughters, Patricia Evart, Elaine Van Gundy, Christina Contino (Rob Hawley),
Tamara Kent, (Steve Kent), 9 grandchildren, Brian Evart (Cesar Felix), Jason Evart(Glen
Evart), Alyssa Evart(Jessica Braren), Coulston Van Gundy(Holly Van Gundy) , Dustin Van
Gundy, Blake Van Gundy, Liam Contino,(Erin Contino), Isabella Contino, Marlena Pynn,
(Mike Pynn), and 4 great grandchildren, Madison and Landen Pynn, and Elyse and Alistair
Van Gundy. She has three living siblings, Lupe Delsid, Rachel Riofrio, and Joe Rivas.
She enjoyed a long career at American River College, spearheading and leading the
English as a Second Language department. She pioneered the road for not just hispanic
women, but for all those under privileged, either by race, gender, native language, or
socioeconomic background. In Ruth’s eyes, all were equal, and she encouraged formal
education as a pathway to equal opportunity.
She was a 32 year liver transplant survivor, and vowed to honor this gift in appreciation to
her donor and family.
She gave endless love to all her family, including the family dogs, treating all with equal
love, appreciating the uniqueness of them all, and choosing kindness.
She will be remembered by her traditional hispanic cooking, her family gatherings, her
love of red wine, and her stylish attire. Her spirit will live in all the hearts she touched.
Her journey here on earth ends, being laid to rest November 6, 2023, Calvary Cemetery,
aside her precious Ernie.