Ruben Joe Rodriguez

On February 18th at 2:15am, our sweet Dad, Ruben Joe Rodriguez, 92, gained his wings to Heaven. Dad passed away peacefully in his sleep with Bonnie at his side. Dad is preceded in death by his 1st wife, Marcella, of 25 years, 2nd wife, Dolores, of 29 years, brothers Manuel, Leroy (Margie), Elu (Hope), sisters Dora (Fermin) Quintana, Elosia (Gordon) Rudell and Erma (Albert) Barison, Grandson Johnny Parker and Great granddaughter Jazmine Parker. Survived by sister-in-law Virginia Rodriguez, sons Marcos, and Daniel, daughters Hazel, Veronica, Rebecca, and Bonnie, daughter-in-laws Irene Rodriguez and Anita Guerra. Grandkids Eric (Adina) Rodriguez, Christopher Rodriguez, Mathew Vigil, Nicole (Jeremiah) Trujillo, Sabrina (Bobby) Deen, Amanda (Sean) Stoddard and JoAnna Rodriguez. Great grandkids, Mya Sosa Rodriguez, Alex and Izabella Rodriguez, Alyssa Iacabone, Chloe and Johnny Parker, Jacee, Jordan and Evie Trujillo, Izaiah Stoddard, Amaziah Lopez, Emilio and Bobby Deen, Lylah and Leirah Rodriguez and many relatives and friends.

Dad retired from the Pueblo Army Depot after 36 years. During his retirement, Dad authored a book titled “The Conflict Korea 1953 Last Stand for Pork Chop Hill.” In August 1952, Dad joined the army at the age of 19 and fought in the Korean War in 1953. Fishing with his kids and grandkids was one of the special things Dad loved to do, and dad was usually the one that would catch the fish!

A trip to Cripple Creek with some of his kids was a favorite pastime of Dad’s and the majority of the time he would come home a winner, sharing his winnings with his kids. He was a faithful fan of the Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos and would get upset with them when they would do wrong and call them knuckleheads. We had so much fun and many laughs with Dad watching these games with him. Dad loved having meals at home or at restaurants with his kids and all the grandkids, especially when we got together for all the holidays, and on his birthday. Dad loved all those times with us and would join us in having a margarita with lunch or dinner or on special occasions. Dad was such a kind man with a big heart and loving soul, if he could help you he would. Dad had so many friends no matter where he was. If someone saw him they wouldn’t hesitate to come up and say hi and have a lengthy conversation.

Dad loved sharing his stories from his past, and also about his kids, and serving in the army. Boy, what a memory Dad had!!

Dad’s favorite color is blue because he felt it brought out his personality! So true since he was such a calm and gentle spirit. Dad/Grandpa you are going to be missed very much. We are so blessed and happy we had you in our lives for so many years. We know you are at peace and your knees are no longer hurting you. We know you are dancing in heaven with Mom/Grandma and having the time of your life with all the family. Dad/Grandpa, thank you so much for loving us and being our Father and Grandpa. You will always and forever be loved and missed in our hearts.