Ruben Cruz

Ruben Cruz, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend took his last breath on Wednesday, January 1, 2025. Ruben is survived by his wife of 61 years, Olga B. Cruz, and four children: Olga C. Macias (Ramon Macias III), Edna C. Watson (Jay Watson), Jesus Ruben Cruz, and Fernando Cruz (Diana M. Cruz); eight grandchildren: Ramon Macias IV (Marisol), Reuben Anthony Macias (Christine), Ryan James Macias (Nicole), Robert Isaac Macias, Olga Rosalie Macias, Rebecca Therese Macias, Isabella Julia Watson, and Lauren Sophia Cruz; four great grandchildren: Ryder James Macias, Asher Ray Macias, Conner Crew Macias and Calexi Skye Macias; three siblings: Jose Cruz, Javier Cruz and Vicky C. Filetto (Milosh); and countless relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents: Ascencion and Esther Cruz; his siblings: Guadalupe Cruz, Maria de Jesus Cruz, Carmen C. Macias, Maria Elena C. Pacheco, and Miguel Angel Cruz.

Known lovingly as “Papi” to his children and grandchildren, Papi lived his life in true faith and loving generosity for all. He was born the third of 16 children in Zacatecas, Mexico. In order to help provide for his family, he immigrated to the United States in 1955, settling in El Paso, TX with his Uncle and Aunt, Felipe and Juanita Morales of the Upper Valley. His oldest sister, Guadalupe Cruz, who had immigrated to El Paso two years earlier, enrolled him at El Paso Technical School for two years to learn English. He then moved to Northern California in 1957 to pick fruit and work for Libby, McNeil and Libby Fruit and Vegetable Cannery in Sacramento, CA. It is there where he learned to speak English fluently. Missing his family, he returned to El Paso, TX in 1960 and worked at Bowlero Lanes as a pin boy. Soon thereafter, he was hired by the Dr. Pepper Bottling Co. and worked as a truck driver from 1960 to 1966. Learning the tools of the trade, he became a truck driver and salesman for Kahn’s Bakery from 1966-1979, delivering Sunbeam bread to many local businesses and making many friends along the way. Through his dedication and many hours of hard work, he earned the “Salesman of the Year” award in 1974 by the Kahn Family. While still working for Kahn’s Bakery, he became an equal partner in a newly formed business named A & R Auto Salvage. From 1975 to 1979, he worked at A & R after his regular work hours at Kahn’s Bakery. Finally retiring from Kahn’s Bakery in 1983, he dedicated his time to the business until 1997 when he closed his doors and dedicated the rest of his life to his wife, children and grandchildren. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing racquetball, traveling with his family and spending time with his siblings in El Paso and Mexico and with his grandchildren in Texas, New Mexico and Florida. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows Church and a kind and friendly neighbor to all.

Funeral services will be held at St. Pius X Catholic Church on Friday, January 10, 2025. Public visitation will be from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., with the recitation of the Rosary at 6:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated the following day, January 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Pius X Catholic Church. Interment will follow at the Mt. Carmel Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are his grandsons Ramon IV, Reuben, Ryan, Robert and nephews Lee Petty and Adam Cruz. Serving as honorary pallbearer – Antonio Hernandez, friend and neighbor.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Pius X Catholic School where he humbly gave his support. https://www.elpasostpiusx.org/ We will miss you and will love you forever, Papi. “Well done, my good and faithful servant . . . “(Matthew 25: 23). May you rest in peace.