Mary D. Ruybalid (Quintana)

Mary D. Ruybalid
May 30,1920 – July 24,2018

Mary D. Ruybalid, of Montrose, was called by our Heavenly Father on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. She was 98. Our mother was born on May 30, 1920 in Pueblo, CO. She was the only child born to JD & Ruben Quintana. In her early years, she was raised in the San Luis Valley attending local schools & attending church. She later attended a private Catholic school in Santa Fe, NM to complete her schooling.
While there she met Helen Ruybalid. Through that friendship, she met Helen’s brother & our father, Tito C. Ruybalid. He preceded her in death in 1991. Their courtship was by love letters until she moved back to start working in her parents Dry Goods & Mercantile business in LaJara, CO. By attending Church together, and later a proposal of marriage, Mom and Dad were married on Dec. 25, 1937. They were married 53 years and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on Dec. 25,1987.
She gave birth to and raised five children. They all survive. Her eldest son, Thomas (Tom) C. Ruybalid of Farmington, NM, her only daughter, Dolores (Dolly) R. Saunders (Gene) of Montrose, Ray William (Bill) Ruybalid of Montrose, Gene A. Ruybalid of Montrose and James (Jim) Ruybalid of Farmington, NM. Mom was a great-great grandmother. 15 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, & 19 great-great grandchildren. A grandson (Keith Saunders) preceded her in death in 1981; a brother Chris Quintana; nephew Larry Quintana
Mom loved business. After moving to Montrose in 1942 she worked in retail for many years, during and after our Dad, served our country during WWII. Her personality allowed her to meet many folks in the area throughout her life. She later moved with her family to the Olathe area where her love for business really began. She wanted to start her own business in Olathe & did. Her success in a Malt Shop for local kids in 1968 expanded to a full-service Restaurant she notably named, Mary’s White Kitchen. In 1973-74, that success allowed her to not only completely rebuild a new restaurant but also build a full-service grocery store, the Olathe Super Market. Her astuteness to recognize what folks needed made her a true entrepreneur. She retired in 1980 to care for our Dad until his passing.
Mom moved back to Montrose in 1995 where she resided until her death. Some of her favorite past times were reading, going to get her hair done, trying to remember all her family and enjoying conversation over coffee or a meal. She loved her sweets too. Her cooking & baking skills continued at home. The kitchen always seemed to be the place to find her. Her love for helping her family, folks, young and old, continued in a Montrose retail business. She enjoyed and continued to work for 10 more years. She just loved people. The word quit did not exist in her vocabulary. She enjoyed everything about life and always kept GOD as her focal point. She has been a member of First Presbyterian Church in Montrose for many years.
A Memorial Service for Mary will be held at the First Presbyterian Church, 1840 E. Niagara Rd. on August 4, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. A reception for friends and family will be held at the church facility following her service. Your presence is most welcomed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of your favorite charities. Amen. Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory in Montrose is assisting the family.