Ruben O. Gonzales, 86, entered into rest on March 30, 2012 in Livermore, CA at the veterans hospital.  He was born on July 1, 1925 in San Jose, New Mexico.  He was a resident of Manteca for 3 years, and prior resided in Oakland and San Leandro.

Ruben is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Maria Gonzales of Manteca, CA, his son, Ray Gonzales and wife, Sue of Manteca.  He was blessed with three grandchildren, Ryan Gonzales and wife Stacy of Stockton, CA, Trisha Gonzales of Manteca, and Aaron Gonzales of Long Beach and three great grandchildren, Dylan Gonzales, Jacob Gonzales and Cameron Gonzales.  Ruben also leaves behind seven surviving brothers and sisters.

Ruben was a veteran of the US Army 1st Airborne.  He worked for Kellogg’s as a warehouseman for 25 years in San Leandro.  He loved to stay busy, enjoying gardening, woodworking, crossword puzzles and traveling.  His travels included Spain, Portugal and Italy.  Ruben and his wife loved to go to New Mexico every summer.  He loved animals and playing with the family dog, Daisy. He loved to spend time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren; they were the light of his life.  Ruben will be remembered as a strong and proud man who cherished his family, and was a kind to all who knew and loved him.

Services for Ruben Gonzales have been entrusted to PL Fry & Son Funeral Home, 290 N. Union Road, Manteca.  A visitation is scheduled for Monday, April 9 from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by a Vigil Service at 12 noon at PL Fry & Son Funeral Home.  Final resting place will be Tuesday April 10, 11 a.m. at Sacramento Valley VA National Cemetery, in Dixon, CA.  In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, 530 Bercut Dr. Suite A, Sacramento, CA 95811.  An online tribute wall is available at www.plfryandson.com for condolences.

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Friday, April 6, 2012