Obituary

Mass of Christian Burial for Ruth Archuleta will be held at 10:00 a.m. and Rosary at 9:30 a.m., Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Mary Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Fowler, Colorado.  Interment will follow in Fowler Cemetery, Fowler, Colorado.

Tomasita Ruth Archuleta, known to most as Ruth, passed away peacefully at her home in Lamar, Colorado, surrounded by her family on July 2, 2026, at the age of 94.

Ruth was born on December 21, 1931, in Kim, Colorado, to Esidor and Guadalupe (Sandoval) Tafoya. She was raised in Higbee, Colorado, where she attended school and formed the strong values of faith, family, and hard work that guided her throughout her life.

She was united in marriage to Silvano Archuleta, and together they were blessed with eleven children. Their life together took them to several communities, beginning in La Junta, Colorado, before moving to Rocky Ford and later to Fowler, where they remained while raising their family. The couple also spent a brief time in Kansas before making their permanent home in Lamar, Colorado.

Ruth found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved listening to Spanish music, cooking, watching westerns, completing crossword puzzles, and quilting. She was devoted to her faith and generously gave her time volunteering at the Catholic Church, where she formed lasting friendships and faithfully served her community.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Esidor and Guadalupe Tafoya; husband, Silvano Archuleta; sons, Al, Clarence, Chris, George, and Tom Archuleta.

Ruth is survived by her children, Sally (Dan) Micek of Denver, Colorado, Linda (Mike) Mapes of Reno, Nevada, Barbara (Joe) Romero of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Esther Archuleta of Lamar, Colorado, Louise Pino of Commerce City, Colorado, and Ed (Beverly) Archuleta of Las Animas, Colorado;  brother, Percy Tafoya, Ordway, Colorado; 21 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and 9 great great grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will cherish her memory forever.

Memorial contributions may be made to at St. Francis de Sales/Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in care of Valley Funeral & Cremation, P.O. Box 950, Lamar, Colorado 81052.

Valley Funeral and Cremation is in charge of arrangements.