Ruben Mancha Veloz

March 22, 1947 – August 11, 2026

Ruben Mancha Veloz was born on March 22, 1947, in San Buenaventura, Chihuahua, Mexico to his parents, Pedro Jimenez Veloz and Aurelia Lopez Mancha. Growing up in Mexico, Ruben spent his early years working closely alongside his father, helping him farm his land and tend to the livestock. In 1970, he came to the United States to build a new future. He initially pursued work in agriculture, working in the cotton fields of Phoenix, Arizona, and spending time working in Nevada before ultimately settling in Santa Ana, California, where he would build a beautiful life centered around family, love, and hard work.

It was in Santa Ana that Ruben met the love of his life, Maria Rosa Silvas. They married in 1971 and began their life together, raising their four children: Trudy, Cynthia, Lorena, and Ruben Jr. Together, Ruben and Maria Rosa created a loving home and a family that would become his greatest accomplishment.

Ruben spent most of his life in Santa Ana before moving with his family to Lake Elsinore, then Corona, and for a brief time, Victorville. For the last eight years of his life, he called Surprise, Arizona, home.

Ruben was a man who loved the outdoors and enjoyed the simple things in life. His true passion was agriculture; he loved planting gardens and trees in the small yards of his homes, pouring his heart into the earth. He always dreamt of owning land in the United States to recreate his upbringing and share that beautiful experience with his family. He also discovered a deep love for surf fishing along the Southern California coast, casting a line from the pier at Newport Beach or right from the shoreline. He was always looking forward to heading out to fish on the weekends. Whether he was fishing, barbecuing with his family, or hiking through the mountains of Southern California, he found his greatest happiness being outside, surrounded by the people he loved.

Above all, Ruben loved his family. He treasured his wife, his children, and the time he spent with his grandchildren. He was blessed with 16 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, who brought tremendous joy and love into his life.

Ruben was a devoted husband, a loving father, a proud grandfather, and a cherished great-grandfather. His love, laughter, strength, and memories will remain in the hearts of his family forever.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Maria Rosa; his four children, Trudy Avalos and her husband Juan, Cynthia, Lorena, and Ruben Jr. and his wife Tara; his 16 grandchildren; his 14 great-grandchildren; and many extended family members and friends who loved him dearly.

As he grew older, Ruben remained a practical and fiercely independent man. Refusing to pay thousands of dollars for a casket and plot in the United States, and recognizing it would be equally expensive to send his body back to Mexico where his parents lie, his final wish was to be cremated. He requested that his ashes be spread over the plains he roamed on horseback as a child, allowing him to finally return home and be reunited with the earth.

Though our hearts are broken by his passing, we are grateful for the many years, memories, and moments we were blessed to share with him.

Dad, you will be deeply missed. Your family will carry your love with us always. Until we meet again, may you rest peacefully. We love you.