Our beloved grandmother, Ruby Lee Souza, born on Saturday September 28, 1929, in Stilwell, Oklahoma, passed away on Wednesday April 22, 2026, in Citrus Heights, CA at the age of 96. Ruby made her home in Turlock, CA then moved to Citrus Heights, CA to live with her son Gary.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and friend. Ruby will be remembered for her kindness, strength, honesty, humor, storytelling, and love for her family. She spent many happy years on her ranch planting her “pretty flowers” as grandma always said. She cherished time spent with her family and her love for animals was inspiring.

Ruby is preceded in death by her husband Frank Souza, daughter-Shirley Cain (Dotson), brother-John Waters, sister- Carolyn Massingale (Hand), mother-Maudie Waters, father- Carl Waters.

Survived by her son-Gary Dotson from Citrus Heights, CA. Stepdaughter’s-Glenna Halstead, (Souza, Marie Rehn (Souza), stepson’s-Larry Souza, Ken Souza, all from Tracy, CA. 24 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren, 7 great great grandchildren.

Ruby’s warmth, unwavering love, patience, kindness, and the importance of laughter will be remembered through the lives she touched.

A visitation will be held at Allen Mortuary 247 N. Broadway, Turlock, California in Heritage Chapel on Thursday, May 7, 2026, from 5-7pm.

A funeral service will be also held at Allen Mortuary in Founders Chapel on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 1:00pm.

Graveside service will follow to Turlock Memorial Park 575 N. Soderquist Road, Turlock, California.

Family and friends are welcome to a light lunch after the service at the home of Tashina and James Jones, 322 Florence St, Turlock, CA

The family gives thanks for the love and support during this time.