Rueben Ortega

Rueben Anthony Ortega, 51, born December 26, 1966 in Roswell, NM to parents Cecilio "Charlie" and Jinnie Ortega, who survive him in Roswell. Rueben passed Saturday, December 15, 2018 in Albuquerque, NM surrounded by the love of his family after a courageous battle with cancer. "He pains no more for he is with our Lord, Jesus Christ who now embraces and comforts him."

Rueben graduated from Goddard High School in 1985. He was an electrician by trade, but he was also a carpenter, plumber and a cook while in Phoenix. Rueben attended school and became HVAC certified. His hobbies included 10,000-Farkle, pool, darts and horse shoes. He was an artist like the rest of his family, making custom bracelets and necklaces using different mediums. Rueben was an animal lover like no other, he really loved his critters. Music was his life love and he loved going to concerts and getting in the middle of the Mosh Pit. The most important thing to him was his children, they were his world and loved them very much. "God was in his heart and only God knew when he would be called."

He was a great father, brother, friend and son. He is survived by his daughter Marina Ortega of Gilbert, AZ; step-daughter Felicia Thorn of CA; step-son Josh Thorn of Gilbert, AZ; grandmother Eleanor Young; his loving parents Cecilio "Charlie" and Jinnie Ortega; brothers Michael Cecilio and his wife Birgit of Rio Rancho, NM, Andrew Paul of Roswell, NM, Richardo Ray of Roswell, NM and Julian Rene and his wife Angela of Denver, CO; uncle Tito and aunt Jane Campos, uncle Louie and aunt Jerri Ortega, uncle Danny and aunt Helen Castillo, uncle Jesse Ortega and aunt Annie Ortega. Also surviving him are nine nieces and nephews, fifteen great nieces and great nephews and many cousins.

Rueben was preceded in death by his great grandparents Welo and Wela and Pablo and Frances Castillo; uncles Raymond Ortega and Larry Campos; aunt Alice Jones; grandparents Lonicio "Shorty" and Susanna Ortega; grandfather Jose Campos; grandfather Patrick L. Young; nephew Matthew Ortega and great nephew Nico Ortega.

A rosary will be held at 9:30 am, Thursday, December 20, 2018 at Assumption Catholic Church with a mass to follow at 10:00 am. Burial will follow at South Park Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at Ballard Funeral Home.

Serving as pallbearers are Michael Cecilio Ortega, Michael Cecilio Ortega II, Andrew Paul Ortega, Andrew Paul Ortega II, Richardo Ray Ortega and Julian Rene Ortega. Honorary pallbearers are Christopher Ortega, Twyla White, Starlarose Ortega, Larry Reynolds, Jakob Ortega, Elena Ortega, Tito Campos Jr., Pauline Steadman, Lisa Hurtado, Missy Hoffman, Cheryl Ortega and Peedy Ortega.

"They say there is a reason, they say that time will heal, but neither time nor reason will change the way we feel. For no one knows the heartache that lies behind our smiles, no one knows how many times we've broken down and cried. We want to tell you something, so there won't be any doubt, you're so wonderful to think of, but so hard to be without."

Obituary was written with love by his family.

Visitation

Ballard Funeral Home
910 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Service

Rosary

Assumption Catholic Church
2808 N. Kentucky
Roswell, NM  88201
Thursday, December 20, 2018
9:30 am

Mass

Assumption Catholic Church
2808 N. Kentucky
Roswell, NM  88201
Thursday, December 20, 2018
10:00 am

Cemetery

South Park Cemetery
3101 S. Main St.
Roswell, NM  88203