Ruperto Ruiz Hernandez Sr.

Born on June 28, 1945, in Tempe, Arizona, to Camilo and Dolores Hernandez, Ruperto was raised on the family farm, where he learned the value of a strong work ethic from a very young age. By just five years old, he was already driving a tractor and working alongside his family to help maintain the farm and family business—a testament to the grit, dedication, and resilience that defined his entire life.

In high school, Ruperto was an athlete who loved playing football. It was during those high school years that he met the mother of his children, with whom he would go on to share 35 years of marriage and build a large, cherished family.

Following in his father’s footsteps, Ruperto dedicated the majority of his career to trucking, working long hours behind the wheel for the family business. He took immense pride in providing for his family through honest, hard labor.

Above all else, Ruperto loved people and deeply loved his family. He was a proud father to his six children—five sons and one daughter—and his heart only grew bigger as his family expanded. He held a deeply special place in his heart for each of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, always making sure they knew how much they were loved.

Known for his quick wit and love for telling jokes, Ruperto brought laughter and warmth to everyone around him. He was a loving, strong, and proud man whose memory will live on in the stories, laughter, and hardworking spirit he passed down to generations.

Ruperto is survived by his beloved children: Ruperto R. Hernandez Jr. and wife Yvonne, Antonio Hernandez, Ricardo Hernandez and wife Jennifer, Virginia (Gina) Favela and husband John, Mario Hernandez and wife Veronica, and Carlos Hernandez and wife Kim; 26 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; his sisters: Alice Miranda, Katie Banuelos, and Maria Elena Reyes; and his brothers: Alejandro and Camilo Jr. Hernandez.

Services & Gathering

Viewing & Rosary

• Date: Monday, August 3, 2026

• Time: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Rosary will be held at 6:30 PM)

• Location: East Resthaven Mortuary

• Address: 4310 E. Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042

Funeral Mass

• Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026

• Time: 10:00 AM

• Location: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church

• Address: 2121 S. Rural Rd, Tempe, AZ 85282

Burial

• Location: East Resthaven Cemetery (Immediately following Mass)

• Address: 4310 E. Southern Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85042

Celebration of Life Reception: 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM

• Location: La Casita Recreation Center/Hall

• Address: 2719 S. Reyes, Mesa, AZ 85202

• Details: A reception will immediately follow the church service, where family and friends are invited to gather, eat, share memories, and celebrate Ruperto’s life.