Maria Ester Barajas

Maria Ester Ruiz Barajas

Mrs. Maria Ester Ruiz, AKA Grandma Thunderbird, age 59, of Riverside California. Sadly, she passed away on 11/10/2023 at Riverside University Health System Medical Center in Moreno Valley.

Born to Father Tobias Ruiz Ruiz and Mother Josefina Gaytan Ruiz. She came into this world in her family home, in Edinburg Texas on 03/03/1964. As her mother was unable to seek medical attention for many days thereafter, Maria’s birth certificate would be incorrectly documented as date of birth 03/02/1964. She was the 7th daughter of 8 children, Juan Tobias, María de la Luz, Rodger, Maria Elvia, Yolanda, Maria Lourdes, and Juana Graciela.

In 1960 the devoutly Catholic Ruiz family began a new Journey as they migrated to Texas, United States of America from San Luis Potosi, Mexico. Eventually they would settle in San Bernardino California.

After leading a fun and adventurous youth, she married in 1989 and the pair would become successful business owners in the classic car restoration industry.

Maria is survived by her only daughter Brenna Camille Ruiz and her grandsons Brennan Andrew Ruiz, Peter Boulos Ruiz Dabbour, and Rodger Santino Ruiz.

A full day of funeral services and family gatherings will begin at

9 o’clock the morning of December 6th, 2023.

Starting at Emmerson-Bartlett Memorial Chapel

9:00am, 703 Brookside Ave, Redlands, CA 92373.

Followed by Mass at The Holy Name of Jesus Parish

11:00am, 1205 Columbia St, Redlands, CA 92374.

Concluding at Montecito Memorial Park

1:30pm, 3520 E Washington St, Colton, CA 92324.

A celebration of life dinner will be held at

5:00pm, 3510 Bronson St. San Bernadino CA 92407.