Ruben Castaneda

Ruben was born in El Paso, Texas, on January 8, 1953. He moved to Oxnard in 1959 with his Mother Magdalena Castaneda and four brothers; Ray his twin brother, Stanley, Frank and Bobby; three sisters, Irene, Yolanda and Norma.

Ruben graduated from Rio Mesa High School in 1972. Shortly after graduating, he attended classes at Ventura College, then decided to follow his artistic abilities and graduated from Oxnard Beauty College.

Ruben worked in several professions; as a free-lance florist and designer, a home decorator and a hair stylist at his sister’s shop Mane Event in Ventura. His last ten years of employment were with Albertson’s at various locations in Ventura County.

Ruben was a member of the Oxnard Elks Lodge #1443, where he was awarded “Elk of the Year”. He spent many hours with the Elks volunteering and helping others.

Through the years he also gave freely of his time and artistic abilities volunteering at Holy Cross School in Ventura.

Ruben enjoyed many hobbies. He loved going to estate sales to hunt for treasures. His latest hobby was making beautiful pieces of jewelry. Most of all, he loved spending time with his two beloved Golden Retrievers Meg and Hannah.

Ruben had a love for travel and spent time in New York, Hawaii, Paris, Rome, the Mediterranean, cruising in the Caribbean, and driving cross country in the United States. His latest travel ventures were attending the Norte Dame Football games in Indiana. Go Irish!

Ruben was a special person who always had a smile on his face and touched so many lives in different ways. He is survived by his brothers and sisters-in-law, Ray and Martha, Stanley and Bobbie, Frank and Diane; his brother Bobby; sister and brother-in-law, Norma and Robert Ladwig; sister, Yolanda Castaneda and many nieces and nephews. He had a special love for his God children, Eric Castaneda, Nicole Ladwig and Heather Aguailar. He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley, mother, Magdalena and his sister, Irene.

Ruben will be missed but will always be remembered in our hearts and thoughts with special memories. Brother, Uncle, Nino and friend. May you rest in peace and have enteral happiness in the kingdom of the Lord.

We would like to thank the many doctors and the CCU staff at St. Johns Hospital for all of the care and support they gave Ruben. And a very special thank you for the care and thoughtfulness of Dr. Richard Rothschild.

A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, October 12, 2013, 9:30 am, at the San Buenaventura Mission, followed by burial at Santa Clara Cemetery, Oxnard.

Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross School in Ventura, Ca.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, Ventura.