Sophia M Ruybali

Sophia M. Velasquez Ruybali passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the age of 93. She was born on May 25, 1932, in La Mesilla, New Mexico, to Alfredo and Clarita Velasquez. During her early years, her parents moved the family to Utah so her father could work in the mines. Following his untimely passing, her mother courageously brought the family back to Española, New Mexico, where Sophia, along with her brothers, was raised and educated in the Española school system. Sophia was especially proud of graduating high school with honors, an achievement she carried with pride throughout her life. On October 29, 1955, Sophia married the love of her life, Joe Ruybali, in Española, New Mexico. The very next day, the two loaded up their car and headed to Los Angeles, California, where they built their lives, careers, and raised their family. They ultimately settled in Cerritos, California, where Sophia created a home filled with love, laughter, faith, and incredible food. Sophia loved long conversations—especially the kind that ended in laughter. Her home was always open, and her heart even more so, particularly when family from New Mexico came to visit. Those visits often included one of her favorite traditions: gathering everyone together and heading to Knott’s Berry Farm for breakfast, where good food and even better conversation were guaranteed. She will be fondly remembered for her love of Frank Sinatra, her incredible cooking, and her unwavering devotion to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Sophia adored road trips and never needed much notice—at the mere hint of someone going somewhere, she was packed and in the passenger seat, invited or not. During those trips, whenever the group stopped to sightsee, Sophia somehow always managed to lose everyone—only to confidently announce that they were lost, not her. While she enjoyed traveling, her favorite destination was always New Mexico, especially Cañones, a rural place that held her Velasquez family roots and a special place in her heart. At least once a year, Cañones was blessed by the arrival of a baby blue car with California plates. Family was Sophia’s greatest joy, especially her grandchildren, whom she loved deeply. She shared an extraordinarily close and inseparable bond with her granddaughter, Nichole Montero. The two embodied the same feisty spirit, and their relationship was as special, vibrant, and unforgettable as they were. It is believed that nearly every family member from New Mexico spent at least one night in Sophia’s home and enjoyed a home-cooked meal prepared with love. When she wasn’t surrounded by family, Sophia could often be found reading a good book, particularly Western novels by authors such as Louis L’Amour and Tony Hillerman. A devout Catholic, Sophia made daily church attendance part of her routine and lived her faith quietly but faithfully. She cherished tradition, especially Christmas, which she loved to keep alive year after year. Her home was always beautifully decorated for the holidays, filled with the familiar aromas of New Mexico Christmas traditions coming from the kitchen. Sophia was preceded in death by her husband, Joe Ruybali; her granddaughter, Nichole Montero; her parents, Alfredo and Clarita Velasquez; her brothers, George Velasquez and Leroy Velasquez; her sister-in-law, Sharon Velasquez; Irene Vigil and her husband, Tito; Senaida Hall and her husband, Albert; Jimmy Ruybali; Silver Pippin; Florence Maez; and John Garcia. She is survived by her daughters, Angela Murillo and her husband, Paul, and Alisa Montero and her husband, Mike; her grandchildren, her Hijito Lindo Vincent Murillo; Tiffany Moreno and her husband, Charley, and their daughter, Savannah; and Nicolasa Kugler and her husband, Josh. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Teresa Velasquez, Jackie Ruybali, Mildred Garcia, and Lorry Pippin; her brother-in-law, Jimmy Maez; and her nieces and nephews, Diane Velasquez; Rick Velasquez and his wife, Darlene; Tony Velasquez and his wife, Carol; Marissa Compolongo and her husband, Rocky; Mando Salazar along with numerous extended family members and friends who were touched by her warmth, humor, and generous spirit. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Sophia M Ruybali

May 25, 1932 - February 2, 2026