Ruben Avalos

Ruben was born in September 1939 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. Ruben was the fourth born of five siblings: Elma, Arturo, Roberto, Ruben, and Estela. In fact their adobe house they lived in is still occupied by Ruben’s little sister, Estela.

Ruben and Amelia started their life together and were married in Chamberino, New Mexico in 1963. Ruben worked as a painter in Los Angeles County until he retired and resided in La Puente for most of that time. Ruben and Amelia have four children: Ysela, Albert, David, and Melissa. They also have 6 grandchildren, three from Albert and Stace (Kelli, Eric, and Kacey), two from David and Claudia (Camilo and Santi), and one from Melissa and Derrick (Mikey).

Ruben was able to enjoy the fruits of his labor mostly after retirement. Ruben and Amelia ventured on several senior trips with their La Puente senior group and a few cruises with family and friends through Alaska or island crossing in the Caribbean. Although traveling to destination vacations like Brazil and Italy which he adored, Ruben’s favorite place to spend time was undoubtingly in Parker, Arizona. He loved planning trips to Parker. If you are River People you would understand that every trip brings some type of repair work. Deep down Ruben was a handyman and was clever at figuring things out with the supplies that were available to him. His son-in-law Tony D’Ambrosio nicked named him MacGyver because of his uncanny knack to solve problems. Ruben would expand the banter by giving credit to the vitamins that he consumed at the river, namely vitamin C for Coors Light. Once the fix-it trailer jobs were complete he could then relax under a canopy at the river’s edge with several ice cold ones by his side. He would enjoy sitting by the river with his close friends and family or taking a boat ride down to Blue Water and saying hi to other fellow River People along Parker Strip. Parker expanded and kept his life rejuvenated.

Ruben who was a hard worker and when work was finally over he knew how to have fun. He’ll be remembered as being the life of the party and one who knew how to enjoy the moment. We have all shared those vibrant moments and have experienced his enthusiasm throughout the years. We’ll miss his positive energy and motivating spirit. During the last part of his life he showed that same devoted work ethic from the past and transformed it into his fight to remain healthy. His fight over the last two years was remarkable and many of us stood in awe with his will to keep living. To his family he is a hero and a legend. We raise up a glass and offer a salute to you. You’ll be missed.

Contributions may be made In Memory of Ruben at https://www.cityofhope.org/

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401