Ruth Ester Rodríguez-Chico

Step by Step, Keep Walking, One Step at a Time, Day by Day

Ruth Rodríguez-Chico age 73 (born in Utuado, Puerto Rico, June 24, 1949) of New Haven, Connecticut died peacefully on Sunday, August 28, 2022, at Yale-New Haven Hospital accompanied by her loving family. Ruth was the beloved wife of Joaquin Chico Peña for thirty two years. She was the first born of predeceased parents Noemi Rodríguez González and Hermenegildo Rodríguez del Rio. As the first born, Ruth arrived to mainland United States at the early age of eight years old. She survived all difficulties (like having to learn the English language and the culture) but she thrived. Ruth was a longtime faithful member of the Iglesia Cristiana Estrella de Jacob, 506 Howard Avenue, New Haven. She served in many church related positions including Director of the Missions Department, Sunday School Teacher, Deacon, Greeter and a member of the Women's Ministries. Other areas where Ruth served were the Soup Kitchen and Benevolence Department. She participated in foreign mission trips as a missionary to Columbia, Spain and Puerto Rico. Prior to graduating from high school, Ruth completed her biblical studies from the Spanish Eastern District Bible Institute in 1967, and in 1969 she graduated with her high school diploma from Richard C. Lee High School. She attended South Central Community College where she graduated with an Associate's Degree in June 1972. Lastly, she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Biblical Studies and Theology from Doxa University, Coral Springs, Florida in 2008. She utilized all of her degrees and leadership abilities to give back to her local church, and to teach at the Spanish Eastern District Bible Institute, Assemblies of God. Ruth's educational background is extensive and includes an array of training and certifications in the field of Social Services, Health and Education. From the age of 10, Ruth started working. Her employers included Wise Cleaners, Cornell Scott Hill Health Center as a Tuberculosis Outreach Worker/Educator, Marrakech, Inc., as a Program Specialist/Clerk, State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families as a Social Worker Case Aid, and Latino Youth Development Corporation, Inc as an Employability Coordinator/English as a Second Language. In her civic duties, Ruth was a faithful voter and an advocate for human rights. She was a member of the 4th Ward and Arch Street Block Watch. On any given Sunday morning you would find Ruth at the elderly complex Casa Otoñal, where she visited with the residents, and offered them prayer along with administrative assistance. Ruth delighted in writing quotes and poetry; reading the Bible, visiting with others to pray, and laughing with them. She would encourage them to embrace their spirit and enjoy life. Ruth's dry sense of humor was special! She enjoyed celebrations and playing tricks on her friends and co-workers. Ruth's love for her neighbors, friends, family ad life revealed her hand print on all she touched. Ruth is survived by nine sisters (their husband and children) and three brothers (their wives and children) Myrta Bonilla (Francisco), Norma Rodríguez, C. Ana Rodríguez, Abigail Curtis (Ted), Evelyn Rodríguez, Myriam Rodríguez, Elizabeth Fuentes (Jorge), Simirramis Rodríguez (Heriberto Cardona), Hermenegildo Rodríguez (Iris), Ada Olivo (Samuel), Abdias Rodríguez (Aracelis) and Rubén Rodríguez (Rosa). She is the aunt of thirty one nieces and nephews (many married with children); Magda E. Colón (Eddie), Frank Bonilla (Jessica), Tomas Basilio Reyes (Glenda), Andre Reyes (Keona), Juan Carlos Reyes (Madeline); Amanda and Aaron Robles, Damian (Michelle), Zaccai Curtis (Julie), Luques Curtis (Karina); Rae-Sheila Rosa (Ricardo); Caryssa (Carl) Fraser and Rebekah Rodríguez; Iliana Cardona, Dalila Cardona, Noemi Vera Seda (Andres), Tia Laity, Felicia Green, Leonardo Green and Erika Cardona; Nadia Rodríguez, Alicia, Samule, Jr., Esther Olivo; Yazmin Quiles (Wilbert), Brian, Angelica, Abdiel Rodríguez; Rubén Rodríguez, Jr., (Angelica), Amariah and Adelina Rodríguez. She was also the great aunt of twenty five great nieces and great nephews: Alyanah Bonilla, Jacob and Jonathan Colón, Edwin and Haley Colón, Caleb Bonilla, Valentina and Roxana Reyes, Andre, Jr., Luciano and Elena Reyes, Nayla Reyes, Myles, Maci Curtis and Madison Negrón, Adagio Curtis, Zeni and Phineas Curtis, Luís and Lucas Rosa, Andres, Viviana and Carmelo Seda, Yandel, Jayden and Michael Laity, and Emma Quiles. Ruth was first and foremost a daughter, sister, a wife, aunt, a great mentor, teacher, and wonderful human being to all who knew her. She is an example we should follow. Through it all, Ruth showed us how to persevere in our faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Ruth has truly earned her crown in Heaven. Way to go dear sister!!!

Ruth's family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, September 6th from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Iglesia Cristiana Estrella de Jacob (Star of Jacob Christian Church), 506 Howard Ave., New Haven. A funeral service will take begin at 7:00 p.m. On Wednesday, September 7th, a prayer service will take place at the church at 10:00 a.m. followed by a committal service and burial in Evergreen Cemetery, 769 Ella Grasso Blvd., New Haven. The Washington Memorial Funeral Home, 4 Washington Ave., North Haven has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made in the name of Joaquín Chico and mailed to the funeral home. www.washingtonmemorialfh.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ruth Ester Rodríguez-Chico, please visit our floral store.