Irma Alicia Ruiz aka 'Shata' to her friends was born on 07/23/1941 in the City of El Plomo Sonora Mexico to Jesus Ruiz Ochoa and Alicia Pallenes (both deceased). In 08/22/1963, she immigrated to the United States as an inheritance from her father and made Blythe, CA. her home.  She worked in the Agriculture industry for many years, jobs included but were never limited to lettuce (packing and foremen), cotton (hoeing, cleaning), tomatoes (packing or picking), melons/watermelons (picking/packing) and countless other labor jobs.

After years of working outdoors, she made a drastic employment shrift, she became a housekeeper for Motel 6 and then one for a Senior Citizen Residential Club in Phoenix, AZ.

It was at that point she began having issues with her health.  However, being the Warrior that she was, she brought herself back to her home in Blythe, CA. and became part of the Palo Verde Community College family.  She was a full time Custodian and she loved and took pride in her responsibilities.  She was a member of the CSEA Organization (Chapter 180) and truly enjoyed the facility, students, administration and of course her fellow classified staff.

In the midst of all her jobs, her major responsibility was her family. Irma had 8 children,7 of which she raised as a single mother.

Sandra Luz Blanco Cota (deceased) Mexicali BC Mexico.

Carlos Adrian Barcenas (deceased) Perris, CA.

Manuel Isidro Barcenas from Calexico, CA.

Thelma Alvarez Barcenas from Mohave Valley, AZ.

Maria de Jesus Barcenas of Blythe, CA.

Marta Lorena Barcenas from Indio, CA.

Rosa Icela Macias Barcenas from Colton, CA.

Miguel Francisco Barcenas from Blythe, CA.

Irma had 28 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren and 16 great great grandchildren.

Irma was preceded in death of her parents, Jesus Ruiz Ochoa, Alicia Pallanes, and her two eldest children, Sandra Luz Blanco de Cota and Carlos Adrian Barcenas

Services for Irma Alicia Ruiz will be held on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 from 5-8:00 p.m. at Frye Chapel, with Rosary at 7:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 6, 2019 also at Frye Chapel starting at 10:00 a.m. with burial following at Palo Verde Cemetery.