Gloria Ruelas, aged 81, passed away peacefully at her home in Douglas, Arizona, on the morning of January 3, 2026. A lifelong citizen of Douglas, she was a devout Catholic and a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister. She was the eldest of nine children.

Gloria married Joe Ruelas in 1965, whom she met while working at Karl's Shoe Store on G Avenue. They had three daughters together, Lisa, Debbie, and Donna.

Gloria loved to cook and bake and was a caretaker to many children, including her six grandsons, who were all born within five years of each other. The grandsons were a regular fixture at her home while growing up, and although watching six young boys at once might seem challenging to some, Gloria did so effortlessly while spoiling them. When her youngest grandson turned six, she finally had a granddaughter whom she also spoiled and helped look after. Together, they loved to bake Nana's famous banana bread and delicious tortillas.

Gloria also loved music and would sing to anything playing on the radio, and she always looked forward to going out dancing with her husband Joe.

Gloria is survived by her husband, Jose Ruelas, and three daughters, Lisa (Marvin) Shatto, Debbie (Jose) Ysea, and Donna (Howard) Henderson. Her siblings, Rosemary Pinedo, Anita Lugo, Diane Luna, Mario Lugo, and Tony Lugo. As well as nine grandchildren, Armando Ruelas, Robert Shatto, Ryan Shatto, Erik Ysea, Jacob Vincent, Adam Ysea, Abrianna Shatto, Joselyn Henderson, and Avalynn Henderson.

Nana Gloria loved to laugh, and her love and laughter will be greatly missed, especially by her grandchildren, who truly loved and adored her. She will forever live on in their hearts.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Concepcion Luna; her brother, Rudy Lugo; her sister, Frances Montano; and her sister, Amanda Darter.

A rosary will be held at 6:00 PM on Monday, January 12th, at Brown Page Mortuary. A funeral mass will be held at St. Luke's Church on Tuesday, January 13th, at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.