Ruben Escorza Carreon

Ruben Escorza Carreon was born on June 27, 1931 in the Sierra of Chihuahua, as he liked to say. His father Samuel Escorza was a farmer, and his mother Maria Carreon came from a family of bakers. He and his two brothers and six sisters lived simply but happily in a world without modern conveniences. There was no electricity or running water and travel was by mule-driven wagons. The closest town was Ignacio Zaragoza where he was able to attend school until the 6th grade. At that time travel back and forth between the US and Mexico was common, and as a result, his two oldest siblings Samuel Jr and Celia were born in Los Angeles. When Ruben turned 17, he went to work at his Uncle Antonio’s bakery and found his life’s passion – pan dulce. In 1952 he joined the Bracero program, and in 1954 became a US Resident with Celia’s help. Ruben lived with Celia for a time while working at a ceramics factory and also helped care for his niece and nephew. Norma and Henry look back fondly on these days when Tio Ruben showered them with love and attention. As fate would have it, Ruben met Henrietta (Chata) Barcelo at a party where Celia’s husband and Chata’s mother were celebrating the completion of their citizenship classes. They married in 1956 and started their family. Four daughters were born to them – Monica Suzana Raquel and Patricia. There were happy family gatherings with music from the Golden Age of Mexico playing in the background. Ruben was known for his steady quiet ways and ready chuckle. The year 1971 was a momentous one. Ruben was finally able to realize his lifelong dream of owning a bakery, the Chihuahua Bakery #1 and at long last God gave him a son Ruben Jr.

The Chihuahua Bakeries #1 and #2 consumed most of Ruben’s time but provided many good things, a home within the Hellman Ave family compound, Catholic school and college educations. All of his children’s basic needs were met except for one – the presence of Dad. In the early 90’s Ruben sold the bakeries, left Los Angeles, and eventually settled in Tucson, Arizona.

No matter how terrible our mistakes, our merciful Lord can turn a mess into something good. In 2005 he met a devout woman of faith named Alma or “soul” in English. She had the perfect name to fulfill her mission which was to bring Ruben to conversion and to Jesus. She succeeded. From that moment on, he tried to right all the wrongs he had committed por andar en malos caminos. After finding Jesus, he was a very different man. He was kind and caring and loving. He was truly remorseful for the mistakes he had made and the hurt he had caused, and he never stopped seeking forgiveness. He would always end his phone conversations the same way - Que Dios te bendiga. Te quiero. Ruben entered eternity peacefully on August 24, 2023 in Tucson.

Thank you, Dad, for coming back to us and for showing us the true meaning of mercy, forgiveness and redemption through our Lord Jesus.

Ruben’s wife Mary H. Escorza (Chata) predeceased him 9 months ago.

Ruben is survived by his children – Monica and Miguel Oliver, Suzana, Raquel and Robert Palma, Patricia and Gerardo Jaime, Ruben Escorza Jr

His grandchildren – Michael and Rachelle Araghi; Ian, Evan (wife Christina), and Morgan Palma; Danielle, Marisela, Gabriel, and Natalia Jaime

His great grandchildren – Alaina and Michael Araghi, Ezra Boyd, Adaline and Raven Palma

The daughter and grandsons of his heart – Kelly Maribel, Eduardo Ruben, Imanol, and Ismael.

A visitation for Ruben will be held Sunday, September 3, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Funeraria del Angel South Lawn, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. A funeral service will occur Sunday, September 3, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:45 AM, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. A graveside service will occur Sunday, September 3, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at South Lawn Cemetery, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706. A reception will occur Sunday, September 3, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM, 5401 South Park Ave, Tucson, AZ 85706.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.funerariadelangelSL.com for the Escorza Carreon family.