Ruben B. Rivera

Ruben B. Rivera

who lost his battle with cancer on November 27, 2013.

Born December 27, 1941, in Study Butte, Texas to Lucas Rivera and Elisa Brito Rivera—preceded in death by both. He was also preceded in death by his brothers and sisters: Federico, Lucas, Raymundo, Rosa, Lucinda; father-in-law: Paz; sister-in-law: Ophie; and nephew: Timothy.

In his early years, his family moved and worked throughout the country. They settled in Odessa , Texas where he met his future wife, his partner, and his best friend Olivia G. Rivera whom he was married to for over 55 years. They moved to El Paso in the late sixties where they made their permanent home.

They have five children: Cynthia M. Rivera, Ruben 'Jake' Rivera Jr., David Rivera (spouse Sandy M. Rivera), Stephen Rivera (spouse Sandra B. Rivera), Gina M. Gonzalez (spouse George Gonzalez); six grandchildren: Stephanie T. Cordero (spouse Steven Cordero), Taylor J. Rivera, Savannah S. Gonzalez, Stephen Rivera, II, Shawnee S. Gonzalez, Holden Rivera; and two great-grandchildren: Alayna J. Cordero and Aveyn J. Cordero.

His surviving brothers and sister are: Alvaro Rivera, Roy Rivera, Romulo Rivera, George Rivera, and Elizabeth Estrada, all whom he cared for and loved very much.

Through love and marriage his family grew and included his mother-in-law Beatrice C. Gonzales who always claimed him as her own son, and extended Brothers & Sisters: Oralia & Joe Castelo, Noe Licon, Olga & Benito Ramos, Olean Gonzales, Orpha ‘Ginger’ & Abel Leal, Paz & Terri Gonzales, Ray & Cynthia Gonzales. Daughter: Patsy Helbling, Grandchild; Victor Paul Helbling, and Great Granddaughter; Arianna Helbling.

He had numerous Nieces & Nephews whom he loved very much. He made each one feel very special, and each one of them can claim they were his favorite.

He also had many good friends throughout the years through his work and associations and treated all with honesty, kindness and respect.

Ruben was a family man and enjoyed spending time with them at home, at games, cookouts, or out walking with his grandchildren & great grandchildren, drumming up stories of wild animals and such. He loved his Oldies’ music, loved to watch old western movies, taking care of his little truck, and working on restoring his old car.

He especially loved Jehovah, his heavenly father. He also loved the multitude of brothers and sisters who shared his loved for Jehovah.

Ruben was a builder; his work can be seen throughout the city of El Paso , in schools, hospitals, banks, stores, our own homes, and many other buildings. He helped his Christian brothers & sisters build many Kingdom Halls through the years. He enjoyed his profession and was good at his work, and though he was weakening in the last few months, he still enjoyed going to ‘work’ and being with his sons and brothers in the field.

He will be sorely missed by all who loved him dearly.