Ruth Frances Fulton
On Friday, Aug. 15, 2025, Ruth Frances Fulton, 82, of Catalina, Arizona, passed away peacefully at Casa de Luz Hospice Hacienda. A devoted Christian, Ruth lived her life in service to the Lord and her family, setting an example for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Born in Prescott, Arizona, on Dec. 3, 1942, to Jesus and Carmen Ortega, Ruth spent her early years in Prescott and Seligman. She graduated from Prescott High School in 1960 and later attended cosmetology school in Phoenix. Ruth began her career as a beautician in Prescott before marrying Louis Mancha Sr. in 1963. In 1969, the family relocated to San Manuel, Arizona where Louis worked for Magma Copper Company and Ruth joined the San Manuel Hospital as a medical transcriptionist, interpreter and pharmacy technician.
On Dec. 24, 1977, Ruth married John Fulton. They shared 34 loving years together until his passing on Nov. 8, 2012. Throughout her career, Ruth held various roles including medical transcriptionist, insurance agent, financial advisor, pharmacy technician, and cashier at Fry’s Shopping Center, where she retired from in 2016.
Ruth’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. She was a passionate student of God’s word, a dedicated prayer warrior, and a faithful member of the Church of Christ. She and John placed membership at several congregations across Arizona, always seeking to serve wherever they lived. Ruth’s compassion extended beyond the church walls – she visited shut-ins, prisoners, widows, and orphans, and participated in mission trips to Casa de la Esperanza, a children’s home in Mexico. She regularly brought neighborhood children to church and shared the gospel whenever the opportunity arose. Ruth truly let her light shine.
Ruth is survived by two brothers, Jesse Ortega (Jessie) of Superior, Arizona, and Ernie Ortega of Taylor, Arizona; her two children, Cristina Kent (Ben) and Louis Mancha, Jr., both of Catalina, Arizona; her five grandchildren, Erica Rogers (CJ), Adam Mancha (Chance), Monique Mancha, Jeremy Kent (Leah) and Kiara Mancha; and 11 great-grandchildren – with one on the way.
A celebration of Ruth’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at the SaddleBrooke Ranch Club House, 31143 Amenity Dr., Oracle, AZ 85623. Lunch will follow the memorial service. All are welcome!
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Albuquerque Christian Children’s Home, 5700 Winter Haven Rd NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87120; or The Alzheimer’s Association, Desert Southwest Chapter www.alz.org.