Ruben Rojas

At the age of 16, Ruben set his sights on becoming a professional jockey. He attended jockey’s school at Agustin Mercado Reveron. He was respected for his determination and will not to allow being a Type 1 diabetic from age 10 hold him back from his dreams of competing as a professional athlete. As an accomplished jockey, he raced horses all over the United States from 2002 to 2015. Ruben started in 2,370 races, winning 158, placing second in 200 and placing third in 235, meaning he won, placed or showed in one out of every four races he started.

On October 5, 2007, Ruben’s son, Alexander Rojas, was born. Ruben called his son his “number one” and was thrilled to travel to New York in May 2025 to watch Alex graduate from high school.

In 2020, Ruben moved to Oldham County and galloped horses at HighPointe Farm and Training Center in Oldham County. He made friends and worked other jobs in La Grange and Crestwood. In 2023, Ruben was baptized at Crestwood United Methodist Church. He was active in the English and Spanish-speaking services, small groups, outreach ministries and ESL and GED classes. His smile was contagious and his spirit immediately lit up a room. Ruben loved his church and the church loved him.

In 2025, Ruben began working full time at Goodwill in Crestwood, where he made many friends. Ruben was working 40-60 hours a week and his caseworker, April Evans, was helping him grow personally, spiritually and professionally. Ruben’s work ethic and personal advancement placed him in a difficult position. He no longer qualified for the life-saving health benefits through Medicaid. His goal was to grow in his career, provide for himself and his family, and give back to the community. Ruben, like many others, struggled to meet basic needs after his benefits were denied. The cost of basic health care, insulin and other diabetic needs was difficult to overcome. Ruben dreamed of owning a home, two acres, and a horse. He knew two acres was all he needed to ride horses again. When Ruben had access to his medicine, he reached all of his dreams. Without access, every day was a struggle: a reality that many people face every day.

Besides his son, Ruben is survived by sisters, Arlene and Desiree Rojas, brother Carlos Rojas, and his parents.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. at Crestwood United Methodist Church, 7214 Kavanaugh Rd, Crestwood, KY 40014. Visitation will be prior to the service from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Crestwood UMC. The proceeds will be used to support people in their time of need.