Ruben Matta Gonzales

Ruben Matta Gonzales January 11, 1940 – July 21, 2023 Ruben Matta Gonzales, 83, passed Friday 5:53 PM, July 21, 2023, at his home under the care of Gentiva Hospice. Please take a moment to share a kind thought or memory with Ruben’s family at www.andersonbethany.com. Ruben was born January 11, 1940, in Crowell, Texas in a tent to Sabina Mata and Ventura Rodrigues. When Ruben was a month old his father died. When Ruben was 3 years old when his mother married Frank C. Gonzales, and did not know until he was twelve years old that he was his stepfather. Dad always treated me as his son, Ruben always said he was a wonderful stepfather when he was growing up. Ruben married Dottie (Dorothy) Jackson, August 16, 1969 -53 years, 6 months and 21 days, at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. On their forty-fifth anniversary, they renewed their wedding vows at St. Peter’s Catholic Church. Ruben enlisted in the army, July 1956 and was discharged from the national Guard of New Mexico after three years of services. Ruben only attended through the seventh grade at North Junior High now the Administration Building 300 North Kentucky. In 1968 Ruben Receives his G.E.D. After being married two months, October 20, 1969, till June 2000, he worked for AP&SF Santa Fe Railway, for 31 years, work many areas of New Mexico. Children are Alicia M. Gonzales (Albuquerque) Ruben R. Gonzales (deceased-twins) and Delicia M. Gonzales (Albuquerque -Twins). Grandchildren are Lianca S. Gonzales (Roswell), Amelia Eva Gonzales (Albuquerque) and Agita J. Valencia -Gonzales (Albuquerque). Surviving siblings are Eloyda Gomes, twins (Antonio) Albuquerque-Naomi Lafferty, twins (Bill-deceased) Norma Gig Lotti (Frank) San Diego, California- Elida Flores (Richard) Albuquerque-Victor Gonzales (Dolores-deceased) Albuquerque. Surviving brother and sister-in-law Jimmie G. Jackson and Dena Jackson, Plano, Texas. Ruben parents deceased Sabrina M. Gonzales, Ventura Rodrigues and step-father Frank C. Gonzales. Ruben in-laws deceased Eva V. Jackson, Ernest Jackson and brother-in-law Ernie L. Jackson. Surviving maternal aunt Nellie Reyes (Lupe) Lincoln, California. Maternal grandparents deceased Jesus Garcia Matas and Norberta Mata. Paternal grandmother deceased Ramoncita Rodriguez. Maternal uncles deceased Frank Matta (Ascencion), Cesmes Matta and Johny Mata (Peresa). Maternal aunts deceased Blacita Sanchez (Savino), Geremina Sanchez (Benito) Dolores Flores (Candido) and Juanita Valencia (Pablo). Close Friends since they were teenagers Sonny Chavez (Rio Rancho), Jose Dominguez (Albuquerque), Miguel Gomez (Colorado Springs) and Liandro and Connie Gutierrez (Roswell). In the early 1980’s when soccer was becoming popular Ruben with Russel Dokey, help start soccer leagues. First started on east La Paloma Street next to Del Norte Elementary School and finally on New Mexico Military-Institute property across from Wool Bowl. For many years Ruben would be at Roswell’s Adult Center playing cards, dominoes, and pool. For many years enter New Mexico Senior Olympics and won many medals, first and second place in pool. A heart felt thank you to the wonderful and caring staff at Gentiva Hospice (especially Stacy, Jessica, Mandy, Pakisha, Brenda, Helen, and Mike). Honorary pallbearers are Richard Flores (Albuquerque), Greg Flores (Pheonix, Arizona), Ralph Flores (Roswell), Shawn and Fes Zamera (Roswell), Kiko Gonzales (Albuquerque) and Gilbert Valdez (Roswell). Lawrence Sanchez, Rubens cousin, will officiate his service at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home and Crematory at 2609 S. Main St, on Friday, August 11, 2023, at 11:00 AM. Reception will be at the American Legion Post 28, 1620 North Montana Ave. after his funeral Service. Ruben’s tribute was lovingly written by his wife Dottie.

Ruben Matta Gonzales

January 11, 1940 - July 21, 2023