Sheila Ruth Santos

CASA BLANCA - Sheila Ruth Santos, 56, of West Des Moines, Iowa, died on July 20, 2019.

Ms. Santos was born on Oct. 20, 1962, in Sacaton to Cedric Santos Sr. and Theresa Tree-Santos. She grew up on the Gila River Indian Community and worked for about 10 years as a cook at St. Peter Catholic Mission, where she got to know and make a positive impact on countless schoolchildren. She then moved to Iowa, where she worked tirelessly as a baker for the West Des Moines school system for more than 20 years.

She was proud of her son, a 15-year-old student at Valley High School, and his accomplishments. He was her world. She served her church, working with the homeless, and she helped with her son's fundraising activities for various school events. She worked multiple jobs that included house cleaning, dog sitting and child care. She had a servant's heart and helped anyone who needed her. She loved sharing about her family and her heritage and had a fantastic sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She loved collecting shoes and DVDs.

Survivors include her son, Kendric Santos-Briggs of Iowa, and six siblings, Yolanda Quintero, Renita Lewis, Denise Saenz, Lilly, Estelle and Warren Santos Sr. She was preceded in death by her parents and five siblings, Alberta Breckenridge, Carol Martinez, Cedric Santos Jr., Steven Santos Sr. and Carlos Santos Sr.

Wake beginning at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, at the District 5 Multipurpose Building. Funeral at 6 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 2, at Baptist Indian Chapel. Burial in Vah-Ki Cemetery.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel in charge of arrangements.