Ruben Rodriguez, 79, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and Godfather, died Friday, April 20, 2018, at his home in Newton.
He was born on June 1, 1938, in Newton, the son of Sebero and Teresa Rodriguez. He graduated from Newton High School. He served in the U. S. Army infantry as an airborne ranger and was assigned on the DMZ.
Ruben worked for Santa Fe Railroad for more than 30 years.
Ruben had a zest for life that was contagious. He stood out in a crowd, and he liked that. Ruben was an avid reader. He took joy in all kinds of music, art and nicknaming people. He enjoyed working in his yard and on his classic cars. He liked traveling, dressing “sharp” and his Harley Davison, but most of all, Ruben loved his family and he was never shy about letting them know.
Ruben was a member of Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church and a member of the Knights of Columbus (4th degree). He also served on the board of Newton planning commission.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Rayma Rodriguez of the home; two daughters Elisa (Philip) Montoya lll of Newton and Christina Rodriguez of Wichita; sisters Martha Gomez of Newton, Faye Garcia, Henrietta Calvillo and Felipa Rodriguez, all of Hutchinson; grandchildren Heather Crawford, Drew Mantei, Ashley Mantei, Michael Butler and Sean Butler; and great-grandchildren Dylan Crawford, Dauri Crawford, Brylee Mantei and Malea Mancinas.
Ruben was preceded in death by his parents; brother Bacho Rodriguez; and sisters Gloria Caudillo, Estela Chavez and Vera Martinez.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, with the Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 25, both at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Newton. Interment will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Church Cemetery in Newton.
The viewing will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.
A memorial has been established with Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church, and contributions may be sent to Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, 120 E. Broadway, Newton, KS 67114.
Condolences may be left at www.broadwaycolonialfh.com.
Arrangements are by Broadway Colonial Funeral Home, Newton.
