Ruben Garcia

Ruben Chavez Garcia

November 22, 1955 – October 30, 2025

Ruben Chavez Garcia, 69, of Santa Cruz, NM, passed away peacefully on October 30, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Ruben was born on November 22, 1955, in El Paso, TX, to Vicente and Maria Louisa Garcia. He was the 9th of 14 children. At the young age of four, Ruben was diagnosed with polio — a challenge that would test his strength and determination for the rest of his life. From that moment forward, he became a fighter. Throughout his youth, he spent time at Rancho de Los Amigos rehabilitation center in California, and later in and out of the Carrie Tingley Hospital in Truth or Consequences, NM. Despite the obstacles he faced, Ruben met every challenge with courage, humor, and perseverance.

Ruben attended Anthony Public Schools and graduated from Gadsden High School in 1974. He went on to pursue higher education at New Mexico Tech before transferring to New Mexico State University, where he earned his degree in Civil Engineering. While in college, he began his long and respected career with the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT), working on major road construction projects throughout the state.

In 1983, Ruben met the love of his life, Sylvia, and together they built a lifetime of love, laughter, and partnership. The couple moved to Santa Fe, NM, where Ruben accepted a full-time position with NMDOT. Determined to advance his career, Ruben dedicated countless hours studying for his Professional Engineer license — a milestone he proudly achieved, becoming the only Professional Engineer in his family. In 1987, Ruben and Sylvia married, beginning a marriage filled with devotion and shared joy.

After 28½ years of service, Ruben retired from the New Mexico Department of Transportation in 2005. Retirement didn’t last long — his work ethic and passion for engineering led him back to NMDOT District 5, where he served as the Traffic Engineer. In 2013, Ruben retired for good, ready to enjoy time with his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Ruben was a man of many interests and talents. He had a lifelong love for R/C car racing and R/C airplane flying, spending countless weekends at the racetrack and airfield. As his eyesight began to fade, he gracefully stepped away from his hobbies but remained a source of encouragement and humor for all who knew him.

Anyone who knew Ruben would describe him as a wonderful man — kind, genuine, and full of laughter. His sense of humor could light up any room. He loved fishing and camping with his family, creating lasting memories that his loved ones will cherish forever. His greatest joy came from time spent with his grandchildren, especially during family camping trips.

Ruben is preceded in death by his parents, Vicente and Maria Louisa Garcia; brother Vicente Garcia Jr.; sisters Martha Lopez, Rosalia Minjarez and Bertha Garcia; father- and mother-in-law Melecio Medrano and Julia Hernandez de Medrano; brothers-in-law Barney Chavez, Oscar Minjarez, Salomon Bojorquez, and Zenon Gallegos, Vicente Medrano; sisters-in-law Julia Medrano, Ramona Gallegos, Ester Medrano, Anselma Medrano, Reina Medrano and Genoveva Medrano; nephews Secundino Medrano, Sylvestre Medrano, Efrain Medrano and nieces Christina Lopez. Godson Sergio Dali Santiago de la Cruz.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 36 years, Sylvia Garcia; children Josie Medrano of Santa Fe, Tony M. Lona III (Lucia) of Albuquerque, Steven M. Lona of Española, and Ruben Garcia Jr. (Amanda) of Española; grandchildren Aaliyania Lona (Jeremiah), Myabella Lona, Bailey Garcia, Aria Garcia, Tony Ruben Lona, and Santiago Lona; and his loyal dog companion, Zuma. Brothers Frank Garcia (Rosie) of Riverside, CA, Cpt. Vicente Garcia (Lucy) of Las Cruces, NM, Joe Louis Garcia (Connie) of Las Cruces, NM, Manuel Garcia (Yvonne) of La Mesa, NM; sister Romelia Morales (Humberto) of Anthony, NM, Margaret Chavez of Chaparrel, NM, Guadalupe Garcia of Anthony, NM, Reina Bojorquez of Anthony, NM. He is also survived by his beloved godchildren — Anamaria Andrade, Francisco Andrade, Hector Jesus Martinez, Lynette Lopez, Destiny Lopez, Angel Lopez, April Marie Minjarez, Jose Antonio Chavez, Alexis Garcia, Fernanda Lobato, April Dominguez, Gilbert Marquez, Azucena & Alberto Dominguez, Olivia & Osvaldo Erives, Carlos & Julia Rubio, Jessica Medrano, Ashley Medrano, Marcella Medrano, Jesus Javier Medrano, Yisel Quintana, Lyza Sanchez and Michael Fahey — as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to his entire care team, including CHRISTUS St. Vincent’s PCU team, Presbyterian Hospice, Helios EMS for their compassion, support, and dedication during his final journey.

Ruben’s strength, humor, and love for his family will be remembered always. His legacy will continue to live on in the lives of those who were blessed to know him.

Rosary: Thursday, November 13, 2025, public visitation at 5:00 pm followed by a rosary at 6:00 pm in the Sangre de Cristo Chapel at DeVargas Funeral Home in Espanola, NM.

Mass: Friday, November 14, 2025 at 11:00 am at Santa Cruz de la Canada with burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery.

The family of Ruben Garcia has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley.   505-747-7477