99, of Phoenix, returned to the arms of Our Lord, 24, October 2013. She was born to the late Jośe Ruiz and Eloisa Elias, January 22, 1914 in Aqua Prieta Sonora, Mexico. She married the late René Larriva, in 1934. They lived with their family in Arizona.
Carmen was the last surviving member of her generation of the Ruiz’s and Larriva’s. Carmen as a young woman, loved to horseback ride. She and her husband traveled to over 30 different countries. Carmen was an avid card player and would challenge anyone to a game.
Carmen was considered the matriarch of the family, she was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her husband always said that her grandchildren were her hobby.
Carmen is survived by her four children, Lorena Barker (Robert deceased) of Arizona, René Larriva (Diane) of Virginia, Alfonso Larriva (Marilyn) of Arizona and Eloisa Larriva of Arizona. She is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. I
n lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made to the Kino Border Initiative, P. O. Box 159, Nogales, AZ 85628-0159 or the St. Francis Chapel, St. Vincent DePaul Organization.
Visitation will be held at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 4715 North Central Avenue, Phoenix. AZ from 5:30 – 6:00pm on Friday, November 8, 2013. There will be a mass immediately following the visitation.
On Saturday, November 9, 2013, Carmen’s burial will be held at 10:30am, at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, Phoenix, AZ.
Bebbie Brust
She had a long wonderful life filled with a beautiful family. Lorena, I am thinking of you with love, Bebbie.
PHILLIP LARRIVA & SANDRA LARRIVA
Our Condolences to all the wonderful descendants and family of Carmen Ruiz Larriva & Rene Larriva. They were always the most hospitable, fun loving, hugging, dancing, singing and joking couple We send our love to all who will remember and love them forever. Saludos a todos. We love you Aunt Carmen & Uncle Rene.