Ruben Olivas

Oct. 12, 1952 – Dec 13, 2024

Revelation 21:4, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.’’

I often remind myself that you are at peace now and free of no more pain. Even though you are gone, I still feel you in every corner of the house. Everything you touched is still within my reach. I see you in our children’s faces and I smell you when I go to bed. I hear you in the garage sanding away at your wood pieces hoping to see a new completed project. I feel your absence in our grandchildren’s voices as they wonder why things are not the same at grandpa’s house. Your life was amazing, so why do I keep trying to convince myself of that?

Ruben Olivas, age 72, took his last breath on Dec.13, 2024. Born in Fabens, Texas, Ruben was the son of Gregorio Olivas and Socorro Ruiz. After retiring from Southwest Airlines, he operated a small vintage shop in Chandler, Arizona, alongside his wife, Maria Elena Olivas. They were married for 51 and ½ years and have four children, JoAnna Olivas/Richard, Ruben James Olivas/Cindy, Patrick Paul Olivas/Keri, and Joseph Joel Olivas/Caitlin. Ruben will be lovingly remembered by his 12 grandchildren, Isaac Andrew Pinales, Cassandra Elena Pinales, Ian Damian Martinez, Brianna Helena Olivas, Allanna Silver Olivas, Rihanna (Joy) Olivas, Elianna Beth Olivas, Araya Faith Olivas, Isayah Michael Olivas, Arabella Grace Olivas, Carter Aiden Olivas, and Jordan Rose Olivas. Ruben was raised in a family of 10 children. His siblings were Lorenzo Olivas(deceased), Roberto Olivas (deceased), Estella Moreno, Joe Olivas, Esperanza Holguin, Antonio Olivas (deceased), Raul Olivas, Gregorio Olivas, and David Olivas (deceased).

Ruben touched many strangers in his lifetime with his carpentry skills. He created unique, one-of-a-kind, furniture pieces that were purchased by numerous customers throughout the years. These people were strangers at the start of their purchase but soon became returning customers and friends. His witty humor made its way to many a kitchen table and family gatherings were the best when Ruben was present. His unconditional love for his (12) grandchildren went unmatched. There was nothing that Grandpa couldn’t fix, create, or refinish, and he was a storyteller like no other. His 4 children were his world. Every morning without fail, there was a text message on his children’s cell phones. He was the first person of each new day to greet them and bless their day. His sincere, willingness to be of service to others who were in need was why his neighbors and co-workers knew Ruben as a part of their extended families. Ruben had their back, and they had his. He truly “loved without measure.”

Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his faithful servant.”

In lieu of flowers, our family would appreciate donations in Ruben’s name to the Amyloidosis Foundation benefiting Amyloidosis Research and Awareness at www.amyloidosis.org.