Ruben H Garcia

Ruben H Garcia, 63, of Surprise, Arizona, passed away on June 13, 2026. Born March 9, 1963, Ruben lived a life marked by steady courage, enduring strength, and a deep devotion to faith, family, and service. He loved, was loved, and will continue to be loved.

From an early age, Ruben distinguished himself with both discipline and drive. He excelled in academics and athletics, earning trophies, ribbons, and certificates in each—achievements made all the more meaningful because he also worked through school to help support his family. That work ethic, paired with a spirited sense of humor and an unshakable resolve, became hallmarks of the man he would be.

After high school, Ruben was recruited by the United States Marine Corps. He completed bootcamp and served six years as a reserve in the Marines, continuing a pattern of service that would define his life. In 1984, he began his lifelong career with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office, faithfully serving for 30 years. In 2015, he was medically retired as a deputy sheriff due to a line of duty injury. Even then, his resilience remained evident—he carried forward with grace and purpose, spending retirement traveling the state, immersing himself in U.S. history, and spoiling his beloved dogs.

Ruben was a lifelong Catholic whose faith expressed itself not only in worship, but in action. Whether as a Marine reservist or a deputy sheriff, he consistently looked for ways to lift the burdens of others. He supported his community with practical generosity—keeping extra water and snacks in his patrol car to share with those in need—and with a readiness to step forward whenever help was required. He was willing to lay down his life for anyone, loving his family more than anything while still risking his life for strangers every day. In his presence, people felt seen and valued; he had a rare way of making everyone believe they mattered, and that impression endures.

Ruben found joy in the simple and the meaningful: mini trips with family to explore historical Arizona and its natural beauty, a lasting fascination with U.S. history, and the everyday pleasures of movies, TV, music, and good food. His adventurous spirit was never loud, but it was constant—an eagerness to learn, to go, to see, and to share those moments with the people he loved.

Ruben is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Georgina, whom he married in 2013. He was the proud father of three sons, Austin, Nicholas, and Brandon, and a daughter, Sarah, as well as two step-sons, Joe and Javier. His children gave him his cherished grandchildren. Ruben was one of 13 children born to his mother, Reyna, and father, Juan. He also leaves behind brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, and cousins whom he loved dearly.

Visitation will be held at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Rd, Surprise, AZ 85374, on June 28, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 13720 W Thomas Rd, Avondale, AZ 85392, on June 29, 2026, from 10:30 am to 11:30 am.

A Committal Service will be held at Resthaven Park Cemetery, 6450 West Northern Ave, Glendale, AZ 85301, on June 29, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

The family would like to thank everyone who loved Ruben and those who took the time to reach out. We would also like to thank the members of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office family who offered their support.

“Matthew 5:9, ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.’”