Rueben Christopher Garcia

Rueben was born on October 15, 1954 in Hanford, CA to Apolonio and Eva Garcia. He attended Lincoln Elementary, Woodrow Wilson Junior High, and Hanford High School. Rueben graduated from Fresno State with a bachelor’s degree in Food Science. He practiced his degree as he worked as a quality assurance specialist for food and beverage companies for over 50 years in Tulare/Fresno County. In addition to his work, Rueben was also involved in the Visalia Rotary Club and as a member of the Visalia Arts Council.

Rueben was a devoted Christian who cherished the teaching of Jesus and was a faithful congregate to his church. Over the years, he enjoyed being an altar boy, a junior warden, an usher, and involving himself with many other church activities. During family gatherings, Rueben would always pull out his Bible after dinner to read a passage from the book of Psalms. Rueben’s joy in the Lord shone through in his loving actions and his willingness to serve others.

As a young boy, Rueben cherished the times he spent with his parents Apolonio and Eva. His mother, Eva, was a stay-at-home mom and one of Rueben’s favorite past times was listening to music with her. These moments sparked his passion for all different types of music and grew his interest in the arts. Rueben’s father, Apolonio, worked as an independent truck driver that delivered produce and other commodities. Some of Rueben’s favorite memories were the times he was able to join his father and his brothers on deliveries in the work truck.

Rueben loved spending time with his wife, Margie, of 21 years. Their favorite things to do together were working in their yard and traveling to the central coast where they walked the beach, went wine tasting, and enjoyed dinners together at their favorite restaurant, The Sea Chest. Rueben also enjoyed spending time with extended family on birthday’s, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. His nieces and nephews always cherished the moments when they got to hang out with their Tio Rueben. In addition to spending time with family, one of Rueben’s favorite hobbies was sports. When he was younger, he was a part of a group of friends that loved to play sports together and called themselves the “city tramps”. Rueben also appreciated watching sports, especially baseball. He always rooted for the San Francisco Giants!

Rueben was preceded in death by his parents Apolonio and Eva (Hinojosa) Garcia, his brothers Apolonio Jr., Ricky, Tommy, and Ralph, as well as his sisters Eleanor and Anita. Rueben is survived by his loving wife Margie, his sister Virginia and husband Bill, his brother Robert and wife Cora, and his sister Sally and husband Dana, and his sister in law Cindy(Ralph's wife). Rueben will be deeply missed by his wife, siblings, nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. Rueben will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, caring heart, and love for all who knew him. You will be missed our dear Rueben. Thank you for sharing your love with us!!!

“And to those who have no might, He increases strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:29-31

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 6436 West Hurley Ave, Visalia CA 93291 (559) 732-4821.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Rueben Garcia to St. Paul’s Anglican church children’s ministries or The American Cancer Society.

I am Free

Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free

To follow the path God made for me.

I took His hand when I heard Him call.

I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day,

To love, to laugh, to work or play.

Tasks left undone must stay that way,

For I found peace at last, that day.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembering joy.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with hearts of sorrow.

My wish for you is the hope of tomorrow.

My life’s been full, I’ve savored much,

Good friends, good times,

a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed much too brief,

Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.

Lift up your heart and share with me,

God wants me now --- He’s set me free.