Ruben Oliveras Zaragoza

Ruben O. Zaragoza, age 93, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2018 in his home surrounded by loving family members. Ruben was always a healthy and vigorous man until he was diagnosed six months ago with renal carcinoma. His loving wife of 69 years, Monica (Padilla) Zaragoza passed away December 11, 2016.

Ruben Zaragoza was born on March 26, 1924 to Refugio and Paula Zaragoza. They had 16 children which 10 are deceased. Ruben's remaining siblings are: Juan/Jenny Zaragoza, Alfred/Anita Zaragoza, Mary and David Rabe, Richard and Chita Zaragoza, Beatrice/Jess Mora and Sally Cardona. He is survived by many nieces and nephews in both Zaragoza and Padilla families.

Ruben resided most of his life in Riverside, California. He also lived in Rialto and 30 yrs. in Yucaipa, California. He worked for Kaiser Steel Foundation for many years before retirement. Ruben had many skills that he utilized throughout his lifetime such as carpentry, mechanical work, plumbing, cement finisher. He was always helping the seniors in his mobile home park with their property needs.

Services will be held at Green Acres Mortuary in Bloomington, CA on January 27, 2018 at 11:00 followed by a graveside service and reception. There will also be a viewing and short service the night prior from 4-8pm.

Ruben is survived by seven children and their spouses. In birth order: Irene/Victor Bova, Reuben/Laura Zaragoza, Larry/Vicky Zaragoza, Elizabeth Dupray, Abel/Lucy Zaragoza, Gabriel/Diana Zaragoza and Abraham/Angie Zaragoza.

Ruben is also survived by 17 grandchildren and their spouses. Sam/Ruth Rodriguez, Angela/Richard Herron, Albert Jr. Rodriguez, Crystal/Max Equihua, Isaac/Karmen Zaragoza, Joshua Zaragoza, Charity/Mark Rubio, Stephanie Doss, Alex Zaragoza, Lisa/Howard Chauvin, Eddie Pena, Philip Pena, Nichole/Andy Pilcher, Faith Zaragoza, Manuel/Michelle Castro, Monica Zaragoza, and Roxanne Zaragoza . Also survived by 26 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.

Ruben was a faithful member of the Church of God 7th Day and served faithfully for many years. Ruben served our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ until he took his last breath. Ruben was an avid reader of the Holy Bible and a true prayer warrior. He loved attending the Church Conferences held every two years in various states. Ruben also served in the US Army in 1943 and received an honorable discharge.

Ruben will be greatly missed for his out-going personality, his generosity, his love for history and ice cream, his entertaining story-telling and his love for singing hymns. But most of all, his passion for telling others of Jesus plan of salvation.

The family would like to thank VNA Hospice for their loving service to their father and the many friends and relatives who came to visit Ruben in his home and hospital during his illness. And a special thank you to his youngest son Abraham and his wife Angie from Colorado for caring for him in his home for 10 months. God bless you all!