Compiled and written by David R. Schleper, 2025
Candelaria de los Ángeles Ruth Sarai Gonzalez was born, raised, and married in San Miguel, El Salvador. She was born in 1944. San Miguel is a city in eastern El Salvador. It is the country’s third most populous city and located 86 miles east of the capital, San Salvador.
When she was born, her parents gave her the name Candelaria de los Ángeles. She was a hard-working entrepreneur.
Candelaria de los Ángeles moved permanently to the United States in 1998 and established her life in Minnesota for over twenty years. When she became a United States citizen, she felt the desire to change her name to a Biblical name. And that is where the name “Ruth” came from. Ruth was known by many as Sister Candelaria and by affection Sister Candita or Sister Cande. She continued to work hard and fulfill all the duties of a true American.
Ruth was always proud to be a member of the Light of the World Church (La Luz del Mundo) for over five decades. An active choir member for over four decades, God gave Ruth the gift of singing. Ruth gave us all an amazing example of faith, perseverance, love, and caring. She was also a member of the local missionaries in Barrio San Nicolas in San Miguel, El Salvador, and Shakopee, Minnesota.
The Light of the World Church (La Luz del Mundo) is located on 502 First Avenue East in Shakopee. The Light of the World is a Christian-based faith. Its practices are based on the biblical teachings of Christian fraternity and solidarity. The church was originally the First Presbyterian Church, which opened in the fall of 1856. Later, a new church was built in 1899 on First and Fillmore Street, which was used until 1967. Then the First Presbyterian Church built on Marschall Road, and the church on First Avenue turned into a bus terminal, a temporary public school, an office building, and in 1987 became the Light of the World Church (La Luz del Mundo).
Ruth created many friendships throughout her life. She was a clear example of unconditional love and generosity towards God, Jesus Christ, the Apostle of God and with every human being. Ruth had many virtues that shone through her works. There are not enough words to describe what an incredible and wonderful human being Ruth was throughout her life.
Ruth had seven children who she loved dearly! Over the years, Ruth’s family continued to grow: her sons-in-law and daughters-in-law joined the family, then came the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, filling Ruth’s life with abundant happiness and joy.
The oldest granddaughter is 42 years old, and the youngest great-granddaughter is two years old. The children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren always gladdened her heart. Ruth was loved by all her family! Ruth was always so happy and proud of her grandchildren who graduated from university and those who are in the process of graduating. Ruth was also proud of her grandson who served in the United States Navy.
Ruth Sarai Gonzalez, age 81, entered eternal life on Saturday, March 8, 2025, surrounded by all her loved ones. Her departure leaves a void in people’s hearts. It is also a comfort, because she no longer suffers from health problems.
Ruth is survived by her loving family. Not only did she give us an example of a wonderful and amazing human being, but she also left us a wonderful legacy of love. She may no longer be with us on Earth, but she will forever remain in our hearts. Her legacy will remain forever; because women like Ruth teach the world that by serving God, one can maintain a life filled with peace and carry forward the hope of eternal life and a legacy filled with love!