Ruth Valeria Chapman
Ruth Valeria Chapman entered peacefully into eternal rest on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, in Ventura surrounded by her loving family. She was 88 years young.
The daughter and first born child of Victor Edward Chapman and Jovita Bustos, Ruth was born on January 28, 1936, in Ventura. She was a sixth-generation native Californian, who was very proud of her deep California roots, her Mexican heritage, and her humble upbringing in the City of San Buenaventura. Ruth, along with her siblings, contributed to the Tortilla Flats Project in Ventura by sharing her personal memories of growing up in this historic neighborhood.
Like her father, Ruth attended Holy Cross School. While in school Ruth took piano lessons, and she developed a deep love of music. She then continued her high school education at Saint Catherine’s. After graduating, Ruth traveled by train and plane to arrive in South Bend, Indiana where she entered the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Cross at the age of 17. As a religious sister, Ruth became an elementary school teacher and eventually a principal. Her service as a teacher included various assignments in California, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Tuscon, Arizona.
Ruth remained a sister until 1971, at which time she moved to San Jose, CA, to live with her sister Frances. Ruth continued her vocation as an elementary school teacher, principal and administrator for the Alum Rock Unified School District in San Jose from 1972 to 2001, when she retired. She had a heartfelt interest in her students and her colleagues.
While living in San Jose, Ruth enjoyed numerous friendships, and she had an active social life. She was a dedicated fan of the San Francisco Giants, the San Jose Sharks and Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish. She loved music and live theater, southwestern art, dinners out, and entertaining friends and family members who would come to visit. Nieces and nephews would love to spend time with the aunties in San Jose during summer vacations. Some of them even lived with their aunts while attending college in the area.
After retiring, Ruth and Frances relocated to Ventura to be near their extended family. In Ventura, Ruth was a member of Our Lady of the Assumption Church. She was dedicated to her Lord and her family. She was a prayer warrior. Her generosity was endless. Her affection for children immeasurable. She developed a strong interest in exploring and documenting her genealogy.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents and each of her younger siblings: Carlos, Frances and Carmelita Chapman, Gloria Dykes, and Dolores Perez. Ruth is survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. The family would like to thank the staff at The Palms at Bonaventure for their dedicated service to our aunt.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday July 24, 2024, beginning at 4 p.m. until recitation of the Most Holy Rosary at 7 p.m. at the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, 757 E. Main Street, Ventura. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Mission Basilica San Buenaventura, the same church where Ruth received the Sacraments of Initiation and Reconciliation. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park. A reception will be held afterwards at the Redwood Glen area of Arroyo Verde Park in Ventura.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Sisters of the Holy Cross at cscsisters.org/donate/.