Rubima Malit Flores

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Rubima Malit Flores, also known as Ruby, a beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt and faithful servant of God, who joined our Creator on October 24, 2024. Rubima, the eighth of eleven siblings, Pedro, Alexander, Maria Luz, Rosby, Eduardo, Apollo, Ruth, Bernadette, Levi and Noel, was born on August 10, 1965, to Consolacion and Catalino Malit in Sta. Tereza 1st, Lubao, Pampanga, where she spent her formative years surrounded by the love of her family.

From an early age, Rubima was a woman of deep faith, embracing the teachings of Christ and was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church since she was a child. She actively participated in the choir and became a volunteer worker at Canaan United Methodist Church, the daughter church of St. Luke, where she passionately taught Bible study and church songs to children. Her unwavering commitment to her faith and community was a testament to her character and devotion.

Rubima attended Sta. Tereza 1st Elementary School and graduated from Sta. Cruz Central Institute (now Holy Cross Institute). She pursued her dreams in education for one semester in college but had to pause her studies due to financial constraints. On June 19, 1991, she married Gerry Flores and welcomed two beautiful children, Mary Joy Taban and Jade Razid Flores. Though their marriage was brief and ended in separation due to misunderstandings, Rubima's love for her children never wavered. She worked tirelessly, often selling food and snacks at school to provide for them, embodying the strength and sacrifice of a devoted mother. Throughout her journey, she was also supported by her sister, who was in America, offering encouragement and assistance from afar and also her family who surrounded her.

Rubima's dream was to come to America ever since she had children. She wanted to support them and create a better future, eventually petitioning for her children to join her in the U.S. She also aimed to support her siblings and the church. In 2019, Rubima's dream of coming to America finally came true, thanks to the support of her sister, Ruth Johnson, and her husband, Douglas Johnson, who petitioned for her. Though this was a joyous moment, she faced challenges, including homesickness and the longing for her children and grandchildren. Over three years, she worked diligently, and the fruits of her labor were evident in how she supported her children's college education, especially Jade, who is now a teacher at the school she once attended in high school. It was her dream to see her children graduate, and she took immense pride in their achievements. Additionally, she financially supported the renovation of her house in her hometown, creating a loving space for her family to gather and thrive.

After three years being in America and working hard, in November 2022, Rubima received the heartbreaking diagnosis of stage 3 ovarian cancer, a condition she had not anticipated after undergoing surgery for myoma in the Philippines. Despite the challenges, she remained hopeful and devoted to God, praying and reading the Bible during her moments of sadness. The visits from family in the US brought her joy. Despite the hardships of fighting cancer and the sadness of being away from her children and grandchildren, Rubima remained steadfast in her faith. She continually prayed and trusted in the Lord, knowing that God was with her through every challenge.

As her illness progressed, the family received the heartbreaking news that the cancer had become aggressive last March 01, 2024. The doctors presented Rubima with two treatment options: chemotherapy or hospice care. Her children wished for her to return to the Philippines so they could be together again. However, considering their financial situation and her desire to secure a better future for her children, Rubima chose to continue her chemotherapy in America, holding onto hope for a miracle.

On October 24, 2024, Rubima’s courageous battle came to an end. For two years, she fought bravely against cancer, driven by her love for her children and her desire to serve the Lord. Though she has left this earthly realm, her spirit and faith will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Her children, Mary Joy and Jade, along with her grandchildren, Yoana, mourn her loss deeply. Rubima is also remembered by her siblings: Pedro, Alexander, Maria Luz, Rosby, Paul, Ruth, Bernadette and Noel, as well as her nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, church community and all those who supported and prayed for her hold her memory close. They cherish the moments of love, strength, and unwavering faith that she embodied.

Rubima’s legacy of love, faith, resilience, and a life devoted to honoring God will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Her remains will be cremated and will be brought back to the Philippines by her sister, Ruth Johnson. Her remains will be available for viewing at Care Center Cremation and Burial, San Diego California on November 8, 2024, from 11 AM to 3 PM, and her cremation will take place on November 12.