LA JARA – Officer Richard (Shortē) Ruybal, a man of courage, generosity, and selflessness, left this world on Oct. 10, 2024, at the age of 30. Born on July 3, 1994, in La Jara, Colo., Richard’s life was a testament to his dedication to service, his love for his family, and his passion for his community.
Richard’s journey began in the small town of La Jara, Colo., where he was raised by his loving parents, Richard (Tanya) Ruybal of Sanford and Margarita Ortega of La Jara, Colo. A proud graduate of Sanford High School in 2013, Richard’s youthful energy was evident in his love for music and baseball.
However, his true calling was to serve others, a dream he realized when he became a detention officer for the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office. This persuaded him to advance his career as a law enforcement peace officer. He attended the police academy at Otero Junior College and received his POST certification.
This led to him becoming a patrol deputy for the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office. Next, he moved to the Manassa Police Department where he served as a police officer, where he was promoted to Sargeant of Patrol, later he was moved into the position of interim chief of police for Manassa Police Department.
Richard then made the decision to move back to the Conejos County Sheriff’s Office, where he continued his career as a Conejos County deputy. Richard also pursued taking education as an EMT. Richard’s career then moved him to the La Jara Police Department. His commitment to his profession was unwavering, and he wore his badge with pride and honor!
Richard led a very active life and touched the lives of both adults and children. In his spare time meticulously fixing up his vehicles, spending time hanging out with family and friends while listening to his music.
Amongst Richard’s proudest moment was when he became a father to his son, Legend. Another proud moment was becoming a God-father to Adonis Abeyta. He also loved spending time with his stepchildren, Kalissa and Andre.
Richard is survived by his son Legend; his loving parents Richard (Tanya) Ruybal of Sanford, Margarita Ortega of La Jara; God-parents Ernest and Amanda Abeyta; grandparents; Rose (August) Martinez, Gloria Ortega and Guillermo Ortega; stepchildren Kalissa and Andre Garcia; siblings; Aaliyah (Donovon) Barela, Genesis Johansen, Alyssa Ruybal, Jade Ortega; aunts Josephine (Clarence), Janel (Jownes), and uncle DJ (Lynnea); cousins; Darion and Marcus; his nephew Azariah; as well as numerous uncles, aunts, cousins and many many friends.
Richard was preceded in death by his grandfather David Ruybal, great-grandmother Mae Barela, cousin Armando Ortega, and his aunt Delores Chavez.
All services will be held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Conejos, Colo. A visitation for Richard will be held on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. with a recitation of the rosary following at 6 p.m. Further services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2024, with a recitation of the rosary at 11:30, followed by a Catholic mass at 12 p.m. Burial will follow the mass at the Los Cerritos Cemetery in Manassa, Colo.
Rogers Family Mortuary is in the care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes, and words of comfort for Richard’s family, please visit www.rogersfunerals.com.
