Ruben Maynez

Retired magistrate Judge Ruben J. Maynez, unexpectedly went home to the arms of his Heavenly Father on September 26, 2011. He was born on November 11, 1926 to Joaquin & Angelica Maynez in Las Cruces, NM where he resided until his passing. He will be deeply missed by his high school sweetheart, the love of his life for the past 61 years, Corrine Lopez and their four children, Ronnie of Sierra Vista , Lorraine Maynez Wagner & husband Richard of Las Cruces, Ruben P. & wife Traci of Las Cruces & Roland & companion Ray Chance of Palm Springs, CA; his brother, Oscar Maynez and wife Juliet; his sister-in-law, Bernice Maynez all also of Las Cruces. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Jackie Maynez Rios; his parents and his brother, Raul Maynez. Ruben was a graduate of Las Cruces Union High School, where he was a member of the 1945 State Championship Bulldog Basketball team. He attended New Mexico State University. Ruben was a former member of Lions and Rotary Club in Anthony, NM, as well as the Elks Lodge of Las Cruces and the Las Cruces Union High '45ers. To his classmates and friends he was fondly known as "FooFoo". During his lifetime Ruben's accomplishments were numerous. In 1949 he started his career in the Sheriff's Office under the late Jose M. Viramontes. He served as a radio dispatcher, office clerk, chief jailer, deputy, and juvenile officer. He was a graduate of the State Police Academy. Ruben also served 10 years as a probation officer under the late Kenneth Barnhill and the late Judge WT Scoggins. After retiring from the Probation Office where he helped turn around the lives of many young men, he co-founded along with the late Pete Garcia the Community Action Agency, where he was responsible for coordinating community centers through out Doña Ana County. He worked and helped with programs such as the Head Start program in public schools and Southwest Mental Health in relation to alcoholism. Ruben helped fulfill one of the major goals of CAA by organizing 10 community neighborhood associations which at that time provided such services as senior hot lunch programs, childhood development programs, as well as adult education and youth activities. During his CAA service the local unit received national recognition as one of the top agencies. He left CAA to run for Magistrate Judge Division III where he served in Las Cruces and Anthony, NM, for 20 years. During his tenure he was appointed Presiding Judge. After Ruben gave his life to the Lord, he opened a weekly home bible study in 1978 which ministered to many people in the community. Not only did he serve the community he also owned and operated Maynez Flower and Gift Shop for many years with his wife and family. After his retirement he spent his time enjoying the pride and joy of his life, his 12 grandchildren, April Magallanes (Joe), Angelica Wagner, Antoinette Cisneros (Noel), Anthony Rios (Chrissy), Jessica McCollum (Brian), Roberto Maynez (Jessica), Christina Maynez, Rebekah Maynez, Stephen Rios (Antoinette), Krystal Fisher (Tyler), JJ Smith, and Kayla Desmarais (Sebastian); his 13 great-grandchildren, Joshua and Patric Magallanes, Gabriela, Alezandra, Alessio, and Anastacia Cisneros, Alyssa Rios, Roberto Jr. and Juliana Maynez, Ethan Chesser, Malachi and Adyson Rios, and Denim Dupont. His hobbies included antiquing and finding great buys at the local thrift stores, traveling and family trips, and his greatest enjoyment was watching his grandchildren and great grandchildren in their sporting activities. Visitation will be held, Thursday, September 29, 2011 from 6 -7 PM at Calvary Baptist Church, 1800 S. Locust, with a Celebration of Life service to follow at 7 PM. Funeral Service will be held Friday, September 30, 2011 at 1 PM at the same church. Concluding Service and Interment will follow at Masonic Cemetery 760 S Compress Rd. Because of his love for all children, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to the "Ruben J Maynez "Big Grandpa", Loves the Children Foundation" at One Source Federal Credit Union or Casa de Alabanza. Entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels, 300 E. Boutz Road, Las Cruces. 527-2222 Your exclusive providers of "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences log on to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com