February 25, 1944 – August 17, 2026
Lily Ruiz Klauer, a lifelong resident and cherished member of the community, passed away peacefully on August 17 at the age of 82.
Lily was born in Hollister on February 25, 1944. She attended Fremont School, R.O. Hardin School and graduated from Hollister High School as a member of the Class of 1962.
Lily was a dedicated and hardworking woman who held several jobs in agricultural work and waitressing before being hired at K&S Market, where she held several positions. It was there that she met her future husband, Frank Klauer. Lily and Frank were married on December 31,
1965 in Reno, Nevada. Lily and Frank raised two children, John and Susan, and were married for 33 years until Frank’s passing in 1998.
Lily lived a long and fulfilling life marked by hard work, devotion to family, and active involvement in philanthropy. She supported many local charities, organizations, and causes, including Sacred Heart Parish School, Emmaus House, Jóvenes de Antaño, Community Food Bank of San Benito County, Young Ladies Institute, Girls Inc., YMCA, and many others. In the truest sense, Lily was incredibly generous to others and was always willing to support the community she loved.
An avid traveler, Lily traveled extensively, exploring many corners of the world. At last count, Lily had taken more than 25 cruises, along with numerous trips to her favorite places (Croatia being her most favorite). Lily also enjoyed visiting casinos, hosting family holidays and spending time playing board games with family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; her parents, Virginia and Lolo Ruiz; and her siblings, Daniel Ruiz, Martha Hornback, and Rosalie Bouchard.
Lily is survived by her daughter, Susan (Carlos) Rivera; her son, John (Anisha) Klauer; her grandchildren, Marina Barragan, Nick Klauer, Colby Klauer, Kaitlyn Rivera, and Reagan Rivera; and her great-grandchildren, Liliana, Cruz, and Andre.
She is also survived by her sister, Mathilda Ruiz; brothers, Gilbert (Linda) Ruiz, Fred Ruiz, Mario (Sue) Ruiz, and Paul Ruiz; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Lily will be remembered for her generous spirit, devotion to family, hard work, love of travel and cooking, and unwavering support of her community and the causes she cared about.
Visitation will be held on Friday, August 28, 2026 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m. at Grunnagle-Ament-Nelson Family Funeral Home & Crematory, located at 870 San Benito Street, followed by a Catholic Mass at 10:00 a.m. at St. Benedict Catholic Church, located at 1200 Fairview Road in Hollister. Burial will take place following Mass at Calvary Cemetery, 1100 Hillcrest Road in Hollister at 11 a.m.