Refugia Rivera Borboa
September 8, 1932 – January 29, 2025
Born into a family of eight, in Harshaw, AZ, she learned early the value of hard work and determination. Life in a rural area wasn’t always easy, but it taught her the importance of commitment and the power of a supportive family. Through thick and thin, she and her siblings remained close, their bond unbreakable.
Relentless in her pursuits, headstrong in her beliefs, and ambitious in her dreams, she never wavered in her dedication to her family, her faith, and her country. Her love for God, family, and country was the compass that guided her through life’s journey.
She found joy in the simple pleasures of life: playing softball at first base and shortstop, engaging in spirited games of volleyball, and the thrill of bowling. Her creativity flourished in making jewelry, decorating cakes with precision and flair, and passing on her cherished traditions by making tortillas with her grandchildren.
Her journey began in Tucson at Martin’s Drug Store, where she took her first job. As a Marine wife, she remained engaged in her community through the wives club, schools, as a Scout leader, and her involvement in the Church. She also made a lasting impact as an elementary school teacher at Maldonado Elementary.
She is survived by her loving brother, Francisco S. Rivera, and her devoted sister, Luz Granillo. She leaves behind her children, Mary A. Machado, David Machado, Marco A. Borboa, and Kerry Borboa, who carry forward her legacy of love and perseverance.
Her cherished nine grandchildren— Angelica Guerrero (Brian), Carlos Borboa, Racheal Lujan (Jorge), Venessa Rodriguez (Orlando), Sylvia Islas, Danielle Irwin (Drew), Arnulfo Borboa (Lexie), Gabrielle Borboa, Gretel Veach (Cris)—and her numerous great-grandchildren, including Carlos Guerrero, Diego Guerrero, Daniel Guerrero, Alani Federico, Angel Federico, Aron Rios, Jorge Lujan, Celeste Borboa, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Raul Rodriguez, Xavier Rodriguez, Harper Irwin, Charlotte Irwin, Elena Borboa, Elijah Borboa, Mateo Machado, and Emilia Veach, will forever cherish her memory.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Arnulfo P. Borboa, her parents Manuel Rivera and Rosa S. Rivera, her brothers Mariano Rivera, Ramon Rivera, Manuel Rivera, Silverio Rivera, her sister Carmen Norzagaray, and her son Joseph F. Borboa.
A visitation was held on February 13 at Funeraria Del Angel South Lawn Mortuary located at 5401 S Park Avenue in Tucson.
Ruth’s legacy is one of strength and devotion—to God, family, country— and she leaves behind a lifetime of memories that will continue to inspire all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those who loved her dearly.