Rica Consuelo Ruybal, a long-time Las Mesitas resident, passed away on April 30, 2026. At the age of 73, Rica was able to be in her home, surrounded by her family, when she passed from this world.
Rica was born on September 3, 1952, in Las Mesitas, the daughter of Cristobal and Eloyda Ruybal. She was the 9th and last child born into a family of 9 children.
She attended the South Conejos School District, where she graduated from high school in 1970. She went on to attend Adams State University, where she earned her B.A. and M.A. in Elementary Education, Psychology, Reading, and Special Education. Rica was an excellent teacher and spent her career helping shape young minds. Rica started her career in the South Conejos School District. After 6 years, she moved to Colorado Springs and spent the next 25 years in Colorado Springs School District 11.
Rica was a strong Christian, and she lived out her faith as a ruling elder of the United Presbyterian Church of Antonito. She was very involved with the restoration of the San Rafael Presbyterian Church. She used her teaching skills to foster love and devotion for Christ by teaching Sunday School and organizing many summer Vacation Bible School events.
Rica loved to travel, and often shared these adventures with her family members, taking some treasured trips coast to coast in the continental U.S., to Hawaii, and internationally to Israel.
She loved art, poetry, music, nature, and her beloved pets: Susie and Mia. Rica deeply enjoyed the awaited Valley rainstorms.
Rica loved her family, her sisters and brother, her nieces and nephews, and her great-nieces and nephews. She poured so greatly into the lives of her family and inspired gratitude for the many blessings she bestowed with her love and care.
Rica was preceded in death by her parents, Cristobal and Eloyda Ruybal, and sisters: Lorraine Romero, Margie Garcia, Sally Ruybal, Rebecca Boak, and Elaine Martinez.
Rica is survived by her siblings: Theodora Madrid, Cristina Duran, Chris B. Ruybal, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
Romero Valley Funeral Home of Alamosa has been entrusted with the arrangements,and the funeral service honoring Rica’s memory will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, at the United Presbyterian Church in Antonito, CO. Interment will Immediately follow at the San Rafael Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Mogote, CO.
With Rica’s passing, a bright light in the Ruybal family has dimmed, and we will carry her memory with us always.
To leave online condolences, please visit romerofuneralhomes.com.
The care of arrangements has been entrusted to Romero Valley Funeral Home of Alamosa.
In loving memory of Rica Consuelo Ruybal, forever in our hearts.
