Fritz Ruybal

Fritz Ernest Ruybal, 89, died Monday, July 8, 2013, in Durango, Colorado. A memorial service will be Thursday, July 11, 2013, at 10:00 a.m., at the Southern Ute Memorial Chapel in Ignacio, Colo. Known to all as Ernest, he was born January 22, 1924, in Ignacio, the son of Tomas and Adelida Ruybal and grew up in Chamita at the family homestead. Ernest served in the Army during World War II from November 2, 1943 – March of 1946. He was stationed in Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. He was awarded the European Medal for Good Conduct and the WWII Victory Medal. His most remembered moment was when the commanding officer came out of his tent and yelled “Hold your fire, the enemy has surrendered, we have accomplished our mission!” He married Junia Tucson on May 20, 1947, in Ignacio. Ernest worked for the Southern Ute Indian Tribe as a foreman for the Construction Services division. Ernest loved his family, ranching, farming, spending time in the mountains, his sheep, hunting and playing poker with his friends. He is survived by his wife Junia Ruybal of Ignacio, his children: Marie Silva of Gallup, N.M., Thomas Ruybal and Benito Ruybal, both of Ignacio, Charles Ruybal of Bayfield, Colo., siblings: Helen Lucero of Farmington, N.M., Joseph Thomas Ruybal of Castle Rock, Colo., Eloise Ruybal of Greeley, Colo., Rebecca Saiz and Isabelle Stone of Denver, Colo., Fred Ruybal, Isadore Ruybal, and John Ruybal all of Salt Lake City, Utah, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchilden, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, two sons, Ernest Ruybal, Jr., and David Ruybal, his siblings: Ben Ruybal, Mary Bell, Modesto Ruybal, Lonnie Ruybal, and Paul Ruybal.