El Paso, Texas
Spc. Isela Rubalcava was known as a joyful person _ the kind of woman who could leave boot camp smiling. "She achieved everything she set her heart on," said grandmother Margarita Rubalcava. Rubalcava, of El Paso, Texas, and stationed at Fort Lewis, Wash., was killed May 8 in Mosul when a mortar round hit near her. She would have been 26 three days later. She attended the University of Texas at El Paso and Sul Ross State University before joining the Army. "They took a piece of my heart," Ramon Rubalcava said of his daughter. "I only hope this war ends soon, because I don''t wish this pain on anyone else." Her cousin Hector Barragan said "she''s always been a happy person, always smiling. When she came back from boot camp, she was cheerful and told us about how great it was." Rubalcava was happy again when Barragan last heard from her in an e-mail from Iraq _ this time "because she was going to eventually come home." Survivors include her mother, Maria Isela Rubalcava.
The most caring person I know. You are gone but never be forgotten. Your memory lingers within those of who knew you, worked beside you and played volleyball with you. Your infectious smile and sudden departure has left a wounded scar t deep in our soul. It was a great honor to know you and worked with you. R.I.P.
SIMION TAIYEGIR
May 08, 2020 | El PASO, TX
I was with SPC Rubalcava when she left us so suddenly. I shared her story on Facebook yesterday as I remembered our Veterans. I think of her and her family often. God Bless her family and may your memories sustain you.
Dwaine Drummond
November 12, 2019 | South China, ME | Military
Its been 15 years already. Although I never got to meet you in person I had the privilege and honor to stand by someone who was dearly close to you during the hard times of remembrance of your dedication in fighting for our country. I got to witness at a daily basis the struggle it is for a family to lose a loved one in combat. It was not easy to experience and it was not easy to understand at their level but I got to know you on a different personal level. During difficult times in my life...
K D
May 09, 2019 | El Paso, TX | Friend
LOVE YOU! MAY YOU REST IN PEACE IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD!!!!! MISS YOU MY FRIEND!!!!!
Oscar A
May 08, 2019 | Worcester, MA | Military
Ruby even though I know you may not need them I still say my prayers and include you. You made an indelible impression on everyone you met. I just want to be sure you have your rightful place in heaven and that you are nice and comfy:-)PEACE My Friend
Janet Jordan
March 19, 2019 | Lakewood, WA | Friend
It's been 18 years since I last had the chance to work with Isela, then SPC Rubalcava in Korea. I was her Platoon Sergeant back in 2001, and her Drill Sergeant in Basic Training. I could always count on her to perform so much better than those who had more time and more experience than her. She was a stellar Soldier and person. She always spoke so much about her family. She's touched my heart so much, her loss still gets me to this day. SPC Rubalcava was a great person!
Christopher Dutton
March 18, 2019 | Clarksville, TN | Military
Sgt Isela Rubalca may you Rest In Peace and may God Bless you always met you and your fiance in Mosul I didn't know you for long but will never forget you. Thank You for your Service but thank you for putting a smile on the face of everyone you've ever met , love you it was my Honor to have served with you once again may God Bless You always and Thank You for being so kind to others Thank You.
Oscar Almendarez
May 25, 2015 | Worcester, MA
Isela , I remembered like if it was yesterday that we meet at inprocesing at Ft Lewis. We click immediately along with Pablo. Three Musketeer's the Mexican Girl, Pablo the Nicoya and the puertorrican what a trio.Will never forget the good times together. The day we got the news back in Lewis our hearts were pierce.
You were not supposed to be there at Mosul. You were supposed to be in Germany and you were so happy that you were heading that way. Still remembered your face when you...
William Pomares
February 28, 2014 | Bayamon, PUERTO RICO
Ruby,
Every time I think of you I would like that it gives you peace. From the day we lost a remarkable human being to today with all the fond memories of your incredible going nature. Rest in peace my friend and eternal "Battle Buddy"
Janet Jordan
January 12, 2014 | Chester, VA
