Ruth Jaramillo-Kirven

It is with great sadness that the family of Ruth Jaramillo-Kirven announces her passing on June 2, 2023.

Ruth Angelica Jaramillo was born on September 10, 1971 in Guadalajara, Jalisco to Maria Guadalupe Jaramillo.

Ruth and her mother lived in Guadalajara until immigrating to the United States in 1983. After crossing the border in Texas, they traveled to California where they stayed with family members. Later they arrived in Denver, where Ruth stayed with her uncle and his family.

In Denver she was enrolled in school at St. Joseph's Elementary School and Junior High School. Ruth met her future family at St. Joseph's where Rosie was principal.

Ruth spoke Spanish only, but worked hard to develop her English language skills. Everyone loved her (including her teachers and principal). She was exceptionally athletic and was soon popular with students.

After a couple of years at St. Joseph's, Ruth needed to change her living environment. Fr. Robert Halter came to the faculty at St. Joseph's school to see if anyone could help Ruth out. Everyone wanted to help, but Rosie and Bill had an extra bedroom and 2 young daughters eager for a big sister, so Ruth was welcomed into the Kirven family. Ruth was formally adopted by the Kirven family, January 10, 1989.

Ruth continued her education at Cherry Creek igh School where she excelled in basketball, volleyball and track. Again, she was a favorite of all her teammates and teachers. After graduating from Cherry Creek High School in 1992, Ruth attended college at Trinidad Jr. College. She finished her associate degree and decided she'd like to serve her adopted country by joining the U.S. Navy.

During her three years of service, she repeatedly received commendations for her excellent service at Guantanamo Naval Base. Her military career ended after three years and with a baby boy, Joshua James Jaramillo, born May 12, 1996, she moved back to Denver.

Ruth was a dedicated employee and was an asset to every job she had. She worked for Frontier Airlines, Target and Swiss Port until her death.

Ruth is survived by her son Joshua, her mom Guadalupe, her adopted family Rosie, Bill, Kelly and Stephanie Kirven and her beloved nieces Ellen and Marley Malama, who always made her smile. Ruth is dearly missed by her family.

A Funeral Mass will be held for her at Church of the Risen Christ. Please check back for confirmed service details.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities Guadalupe Shelter in Greeley, Colorado.

"Nothing gold can stay." - Robert Frost