Visitation Information

Evangelina Rutiaga

Passed away on April 9, 2024

Evangelina Rutiaga (nee Senteno), age 67. Late of Poplar Grove, IL formerly of South Chicago. Beloved wife of Juan Mario Rutiaga for 43 years. Loving mother of Estela (Fernando) Rutiaga-Guerrero, Marcos (Stephanie) Rutiaga, Natali (Salvador) Rutiaga-Lopez, Mario (Sarah) Rutiaga, Ruben Rutiaga, Gabriela (Kevin) Rutiaga-Hildebrandt and Graciela Rutiaga (Oscar Avila). Cherished grandma of Liliana, Fany, Ruby, Erick, Vincent and future Baby Boy Hildebrandt. Bonus mom to Mike Anderson.

Dearest sister of Arturo (Yolanda) Senteno, Lupe (Tino) Ornelas, Roman (Raquel) Senteno, Chilo (Laura) Senteno, Lucy (Rodrigo) Haro and David (Rose) Senteno. Godmother to many, many godchildren. Fond Tia to many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by parents Roman and Chelo Senteno.

Evangelina Rutiaga began her life at South Chicago hospital on August 22, 1956. She grew up in the South Chicago area, graduating from Bowen High school in 1974, the same year that she was crowned Queen of the South Chicago Mexican Patriotic club. She excelled in several successful careers throughout her life including an Amature Winder at the US Steel Mill, a medical/office assistant for Dr. Marcelo Leon, a lactation consultant, a fun loving manager at McDonalds, a Bilingual Facilitator for the Calumet City School District 155, and eventually retiring from the North Boone School District 200. She was also a devoted Catechist for Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for many years.

Of her many jobs throughout her life, motherhood was her most successful and the one that brought her the most joy. She raised 7 children, with 6 in-laws whom she loved and treated as her very own. More recently, her grandchildren became the loves of her life. She lived everyday for them and her pain would instantly disappear with their hugs and kisses. Her love for her grandpups was evident in the way they would cuddle on her lap and fight for her attention. Eva's love was not limited to her children . It was limitless as shown by the number of godchildren, school kids, and even "adopted" kids that she had. She loved and treated her nieces and nephews as her own. Her love for her brothers and sisters was seen in her everyday prayers, check-ins, and thoughts. She seemed to have an endless amount of friends and genuinely cared for each and every one of them. Even with so many people in her life to love, she had a special way to make everyone feel like they were the only one in her life.

She also had the incredible gift of being able to remember everyone's birthday. Of all her loves, one of the most special was the love for her husband, Juan Rutiaga. Having met him at the age of 19, she would tell the story of how she almost instantly decided that he was the one she would end up with, which she did.They were married 4 years later on May 10th, 1980, and were married for 43 beautiful years.

Although her life was somewhat short, it was very fulfilled. She loved going to church and related functions. She had a passion for adventure and loved to travel. Even when sick, she would not miss a social event if at all possible and was a glutton for reality TV.

Her smile was beautiful and infectious. Her heart and soul were as beautiful as her face.

She was diagnosed with Non Small cell lung cancer in 2019, though never having been a smoker. Because of her incredible strength she was able to fight a battle that most of us would have quickly lost. She passed away peacefully after 4 1/2 years, the way she requested with all of her children and husband at her bedside.

Visitation Sunday 1-9 p.m. Funeral Services Monday, April 15, 2024 at 9:15 a.m. at Elmwood Chapel, 11200 S. Ewing Ave., Chicago to Our Lady of Guadalupe Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Interment St. Mary Cemetery. 773-731-2749. www.elmwoodchapel.com