Amparo J. Ruiz De Rivera

Amparo J. Ruiz De Rivera, 91, of Columbus, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of her family, on Friday, October 9, 2026.
Amparo was born in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, to Eligio Ruiz and Gabina Gallardo. It was in Guatemala that she met the love of her life, Rigoberto Rivera. Together, they built a life filled with love and welcomed five beloved children. As war brought uncertainty and hardship to their homeland, Amparo and Rigoberto made the courageous decision to bring their family to the United States in search of a safer and brighter future. With determination, faith, and unwavering devotion to one another, they began a new chapter in their lives, working hard to build a home where their children could grow and thrive.
Family was the center of Amparo’s world, she was warm, loving, comforting, and she devoted her life to her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Her Christian faith was the foundation upon which she built her life. She was a longtime member of Iglesia Vida Nueva, and faith was woven into the everyday life of her family. After dinner, Rigoberto would lead family Bible study with Amparo and their children, creating cherished moments that strengthened their faith and instilled values that would be carried forward for generations. The love, faith, and traditions they nurtured together became a lasting gift to their family.
Amparo had a special gift for making people feel loved, and one of the ways she shared that love was through her cooking. She was an amazing cook who poured her heart into every dish she prepared. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, connection, and wonderful memories, where the aroma of home-cooked meals brought everyone together. She was especially known for her delicious tamales, and her hilachas, a traditional Guatemalan beef stew, which was a favorite among family members. Every bite carried a little piece of her heart. Her recipes were more than meals; they were a treasured part of her heritage and a beautiful expression of the love she gave so freely.
Amparo’s kindness and generosity touched the lives of countless people. Even during the difficult years of war in Guatemala, she never turned away from someone in need. She regularly shared food with struggling families and loaned money to those facing hardship, always finding a way to help whenever she could. She understood that even the smallest act of kindness could make a meaningful difference in someone’s life. Giving came naturally to her, and she offered what she had with a generous heart, never expecting anything in return.
Amparo was also an intelligent, resourceful woman with a natural talent for business. She approached life with determination, a strong work ethic, and a positive spirit that inspired those around her. She taught her children some of life’s most important lessons not simply through words, but by the way she lived. Through her example, she showed them the value of hard work, perseverance, compassion, and faith. She encouraged them to believe in themselves and to understand that, with dedication and a positive outlook, so much is possible. These lessons became part of who her children are and will continue to guide the generations that follow.
Above all, Amparo’s greatest legacy is the love she gave to her family and the countless ways she made life better for others. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a woman whose strength and generosity left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her. Her life was shaped by courage, faith, sacrifice, and an enduring love that carried her family through both difficult times and joyful moments.
Though her family must now say goodbye, the beautiful life Amparo built will never be forgotten. Her love will live on around family tables, in the cherished recipes passed down through generations, in the prayers and traditions she helped establish, and in every act of kindness inspired by her example. The values she instilled and the memories she created will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved her.
Amparo will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever cherished. Her life was a blessing to her family, and her legacy of faith, love, generosity, and strength will continue to shine through the generations she leaves behind.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Thursday, October 15, 2026 at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service & Crematory with Lyndon Rivera Officiating. Calling hours will be from 10 a.m. until service time Thursday at the funeral home. Burial will be held at Garland Brook Cemetery.
Amparo is preceded in death by her parents Eligio Ruiz and Gabina Gallardo; and her husband Rigoberto, one great grandson, Westin Michael Shulz,
She is survived by her children Olga (Steve) Kelsay, Jaime (Beverly) Rivera, Patricia (Russell) Wilson, Myriam (Charles, deceased) Toms, Lyndon (Mistie) Rivera, 15 grandchildren and 24 great grandchildren.