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RUBEN VALENZUELA Obituary
RUBEN ARMENDARIZ VALENZUELA
April 4, 1942 - Sept. 28, 2013
Ruben Armendariz Valenzuela, 71, of El Centro passed away on Saturday, September 28, 2013 in San Diego.
Ruben was born on April 4, 1942 in Marfa, TX. He married Noy Alvarado on December 4, 1965. Ruben graduated from CUHS in 1960, then graduated from SDSU in 1976. Later, he graduated from St. John's Catholic Seminary in 2006 and ordained a Catholic priest. He was named Associate Pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Calexico in 2006 and was named Pastor at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in El Centro in 2007, up until his retirement in 2013.
He was preceded in death by his wife Eleanor Noy Valenzuela and his parents, Rito and Lucia Valenzuela.
He is survived by his sons, Ruben J. (Janina) of El Centro, Eric (Brooke) of Encinitas; and daughter, Jennifer of San Diego; grandchildren, Aryanna, Alexa, Justis, Angelina, Julianna and Emma Valenzuela; sisters, Lily Daly, Esther (John) Rodriguez, Gloria (Fernando) Tapia ; brothers Rito (Olga) Valenzuela, Ramon (Vicky) Valenzuela, Raul (Elsa) Valenzuela, Robert (Roseann) Valenzuela; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4, 2013 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe with rosary at 7 p.m. Mass will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2013 at 10 a.m. officiated by Bishop Robert Brom. at St. Mary's Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers memorials may go to Our Lady of Guadalupe building fund in El Centro.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for RUBEN VALENZUELA
Tommy & Gloria Meza
September 25, 2024
Our Condolences To The Valenzuela Family & Friends. Rest In Eternal Paradise Fr. Ruben
Richard Fierro
September 25, 2024
Father Rubern was a tolal inspiration to me. I was recover from my near divorce. While I was in El Centro staying to recover from all the entanglement l was in. Father keep me busy working at both Churchs, the one El Centro and other Heber. I Never forget what he did for me. My he RIP with our Lord.
Rebecca Mateus
September 25, 2024
Ruben, you will always be in my heart. RIP my friend
Maria Luisa Valdez
September 25, 2019
To us, Ruben was a gentle and a loving person. Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters taught him about God's love for him when he was a child. He married Noy a wonderful person with a beautiful sense of humor.. Ruben and Noy and became the parents of three beautifull Children. Our Sisters involved both of them to become active in Imperial Saint Anthony's parish. When he became Deacon we went to his ordination. When God took his loving wife Noy to Heaven we witnessed his pain. When he was ordained a priest we received his priestly blessing. When God took him home to join his loving wife in heaven we attended his celebration of life. To us he was truly a man of God who loved deeply his family and OLVM parishioners. He was an example to all of us what Our God wants us the be. Pray for us Ruben.
Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters
Sister Maria Luisa Valdez
October 22, 2013
Dear Jennifer, Erick and Ruben,
Your Dad is now in heaven with your Mom. Our Lady of Victory Missionary Sisters and myself have been blessed in knowing both of your parents. Sister Adela and I were away at our Motherhouse during the Wake and Funeral, but you and your family were kept in our prayers especially during our Liturgy at the mother house at the same time the Mass of the resurrection was was being celebrated in El Centro. Your Mom and Dad were very good friends of our Lady of Victory Sisters since your parents were small children. You will always be kept in our prayers.
Firmo Mantovani
October 10, 2013
My sympathy and prayers for Jennifer, Ruben, Erick and families. The Scalabrini Fathers and myself will remember Fr. Ruben as an active parishioner at St.Anthony's, as a deacon and as good priest. Thanks Ruben for everything! See you "there"!
Fr. Firmo Mantovani,cs,
Art & Bertha Sanchez
October 9, 2013
Valenzuela Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Father Ruben's contagious smile will forever be in our hearts. God Bless!
Lucy Garcia
October 8, 2013
J, Ruben and Eric.....so sorry for your loss.
October 8, 2013
Father Ruben: we will always remember you and your down to earth spirit. May you rest in peace forever with your lovely wife. You have left your family a beautiful legacy. Until we meet again...de colores! Carl and Anna
Brian Dani
October 8, 2013
God has a place for us all. Sometimes he probably has a need for some to abide in his presence. I believe Ruben is one of such. Our loss is His gain and eventually we will all rejoice in His kingdom.
October 8, 2013
Es una gran perdida .... padre ruben tuve la oportunidad de estar en algunas de sus servicios de la iglesia , por el cual aprendi como ser fuerte en los momentos dificiles , gracias por ser como eres porque seguiras en los corazones de todos nosotros , mi mas sincero pesame a la familia armendariz valenzuela... thelma sanchez , heber, ca.
Gudino Fam
October 8, 2013
Our hearts go out to the family of Fa Ruben for their loss.
ENTRO Macias
October 8, 2013
Fernando Valenzuela was not the first Valenzuela to pitch for the Dodger. It was my friend, Ruben Valenzuela. He pitched for the American Legion Dodgers. The Little League team in El Centro. Still the Dodgers.
Why did we lose our dear friend Ruben?
The Lord looked down and saw that Ruben was tired and needed eternal rest. So with open hands he reached down and took Ruben. Because he only took the best.The Macias family.
Ruben & Rosie Valenzuela
October 7, 2013
The Valenzuela Family:
May the blessings of love be upon you, May its peace abide with you, May its essence illuminate your heart, Now and forever more.... Our Deepest Sympathy...
Ricardo & Dottie Jimenez
October 6, 2013
Dear Valenzuela Family,
May the love and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ sustain you through this most difficult time.
Rebecca Mateus
October 6, 2013
Please accept my most sincere condolences. I also went to High School with Ruben and Rito. We all married and went our separate ways, but I never forgot our friendship. God bless you dear friend.
Rebecca
SMC
October 5, 2013
WERE SORRY FOR YOUR LOST, OUR CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS. -SMC
October 5, 2013
We will miss our friend and the Imperial Valley has lost a treasure. Ruben is now with Noy and in a better place. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
Bill and Diane Caldwell
R Enriquez
October 4, 2013
Thank you father ruben for believing in my family and especially for believing in my dad. you don't know how much you helped my family. I'll always be greatfull for that. pray for us and we will all see you again in heaven.
love,
Michael Luciano, Rick&Leslie
Beatriz
October 4, 2013
Rest in peace Padre Ruben.
Gloria Silva
October 4, 2013
I am sorry for the lost of a great person, my prayers to the family, may he
rip with his wife Noy.
The Baca Family
October 4, 2013
Thank you Father Ruben for being so special. We will never forget your great heart and you great humor too. To the family please receive our deepest condolences.
Ramona Campos
October 4, 2013
My deepest condolences to the entire Valenzuela family in their loss of their beloved Fr. Ruben. Our prayers are with all of you.
Jack Salgado
October 4, 2013
Our prayers go out to the Family. He was a very respected person and we will cherish him in our hearts forever.
Virginia Diaz
October 4, 2013
Thank u Fr. Ruben for ur help. We will miss u.
manuel corral
October 4, 2013
my deepest condolences to the valenzuela family,as achildhood friend of ruben i have fond memories of him growing in the eastside,and hanging out as teenagers,ruben,always took the right path,and did the right thing in life,he will be missed,and always in our hearts.
Jennifer Merten and Family
October 4, 2013
You and Noy walked with me on my journey through RCIA and I was also blessed to have you Baptize my babies. You will be forever missed Ruben. Our Love and Prayers to you and your family.
Johnny Vallejo
October 4, 2013
You will be missed Father Ruben. Our love and prayers are with you. I for one am blessed for having the pleasure of meeting and working for you.There are no words to describe a grand person like You.From Johnny and Bibiana Vallejo and the girlz Azalea and Cheyenne....
Phil
October 4, 2013
May God be with your family as you deal with this loss you experienced (Psalms 55:16).
The Ruiz Family
October 3, 2013
Our sincere condolences to the Valenzuela Family. We looked forward to seeing Fr. Valenzuela at morning mass. We will always be grateful to him for going to the hospital and praying for our dad.
October 3, 2013
May you rest in peace Fr. Ruben.
Tommy Sr. Meza
October 3, 2013
Our deepest condolences to the Valenzuela Family
Karla Armendariz
October 3, 2013
Compadre,Father Ruben, We will miss you deeply. You were more than a compadre to us especially to Larry. You were always there for us and we will always have you in our hearts. Rest in the peace of Christ, Your Compadres Larry, Karla, Goddaughter Krystal and Larry Jr.
Armando and Frances Covarrubias
October 3, 2013
So sorry for your loss, may he rest in peace. We will miss him very much. He was a great person.
Bianca, Karina Ruben & Silvia
October 3, 2013
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
October 3, 2013
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Leonardo & Carolyn Borobia
October 3, 2013
Our prayers are with him and all the family. God bless you all.
Monica Enriquez
October 3, 2013
Fr. Ruben, we miss you, we love you, we will never forget you. We saw the light of Christ Jesus in you. Thank you for always making us feel like we were so special. We can only hope to mirror your courage as we carry our cross in this life . Until we see each other in the happy hunting grounds. Rest in the peace of Christ.
Your Friends,
Richard, Monica, Andrew, Anali & Joseph Enriquez
Nigeria & Gerardo & the White Family
October 3, 2013
My thought and prayers go out to you. Thank you for sharing Father Ruben with us. He will be deeply missed. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Nigeria & Gerardo & the White Family
October 3, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. Thank you for sharing Father Ruben with us. He will be deeply missed. May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Figueroa Family
October 2, 2013
Our community lost a great man; a soldier of God, a spiritual leader and mentor. Our deepest condolences to the Valenzuela Family. We mourn his departure, he will be greatly missed! I am sure he will be watching over us all the way from heaven.
Thank you Father Ruben!!!
October 2, 2013
Father Ruben was our friend and my class-mate in grammer school and high school.God bless all Valenzuela family.
Will miss you Victor and Connie Lopez
Barbara Platero
October 2, 2013
Father Ruben, I was just delighted when I met you, you were different and listened to me, you will always be in my heart, Be with God, nothing hurts anymore and keep on smiling!
GABBY VALENCIA
October 2, 2013
Good bye Padre! I will miss you very much. Thank you for your valuate words and confessions to the female inmates in the county jail when you help them in the Religious Services and I was helping you and giving thanks to our Sweet Lord for your help. I remember the day that you told to the inmates that you had cancer and that day you know it too and ask for prayers . Thank you for your friendship and kind soul, your whole community will miss you always...
Melanie Sullivan
October 2, 2013
I worked with Father Ruben at the City of El Centro for a short time. He was a good man. He will be missed. My condolences to the family.
Nita Mallobox
October 2, 2013
Fr Ruben was my friend and classmate. His gentle soul and his love for all will never be forgotten. He set a strong example for us to follow in sharing love. kindness, generosity and strength. Prayers for the Valenzuela family. Peace and comfort for Ruben.
October 2, 2013
God bless Fr. Ruben!! Thank you for your YES!! Enjoy heaven with our Loving God!
Richard Fierro
October 1, 2013
Our prayers and thoughts go out to the Valenzuela Family and all of Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish.
I met Father Ruben in 2009, he accepted me as a friend and gave me advice I will never forget. I will always remember his words to all of us.
"A simple act of kindness" is what we need more of in this world.
I saw Father Ruben's courage when he stood up for people that did not have a voice to speak.
Thank you Father Ruben for allowing me to work along with Raul, and others at the Heber Catholic Church. It was my honor to have met you.
Sincerely with our Deepest Sympathy,
Richard and Frances Fierro
San Diego,CA.
Susana Tolentino
October 1, 2013
Nuestras condolencias a la familia. Padre Ruben fue una gran persona, siempre con esa sonrisa y buen humor que lo caractirizaba. Que Descanze en Paz.
Bill Garcia
October 1, 2013
Our sincerest condolences regarding the passing of father Ruben. He will be missed , but never forgotten. Bill & Mari Garcia.
Father Emilio Magana
October 1, 2013
Dear Valenzuela Family,
My thoughts and prayers go out to you. Father Ruben was a great friend and modeled what a priest should be by always thinking of others. He always had a smile on his face and was never afraid to get his hands dirty. Thank you Father Ruben. I will miss you greatly especially you calling me "bro". Farewell my friend and brother. I will see you again.
Erica & Antonio Morales
October 1, 2013
My deepest condolences go out to the Valenzuela family. My husband and I had the privilege to be married by Father Ruben in 2006 and it was his first wedding. He truly made our wedding special and he will forever be in our hearts. Rest in peace Father Ruben. Thank you
Adeline (Obeso) Flores
October 1, 2013
My sincerest condolences regarding the passing of Ruben. He and his family were our neighbors down the street in Imperial and belonged to our St. Anthony's parish as well. I have many fond memories of Ruben and his family. May his soul rest in peace and may his entire family be comforted through this difficult time.
Pro@ Ofelia Amarillas
October 1, 2013
he will be missed but he will always be
With our Deepest Sympathy our Thoughts and our prayer will be with you Father Ruben God bless you all . we will miss him alot, I can see father ruben getting hugged by all the angels in the sky and that conforts us he will be missed but he will always be in our heart.
October 1, 2013
My prayers are with all family members, will be missed
Margaret Duggan
Martha Lilia Gomez
October 1, 2013
Dear Valenzuela Family,
Please accept my most sincere condolences. Father Ruben holds a special place in my heart. His words of faith, encouragement, and prayers helped me through my father's passing. I hope that prayers and your faith also give you peace and comfort during your time of sorrow.
Monica L
October 1, 2013
Valenzuela Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Rest in peace Fr. Ruben. God bless you for all your love and service.
Danny and Kathy Seeger
October 1, 2013
We are sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Lean on our Heavenly Father during this difficult time, He will carry you through. May your memories, knowing he is no longer suffering and being reunited with your mother comfort you at this time.
David & Elvira Gil & Fam.
October 1, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Belen & Jose Ortega
October 1, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times.Fr. Ruben, may you rest in Peace. You will be missed.Our deepest sympathies to the entire Valenzuela Family.
Irma Nava
October 1, 2013
My sincere condolences! He is now with the Lord and dancing with your mom!
Love you all!
October 1, 2013
Our Deepest Sympathy to the family, May you rest in peace Father Ruben
Raul H Mazon & family
Daniel Camarena
October 1, 2013
My condolences go out to JJ, Ruben, and Eric. Rest in peace Tio/Father Ruben. I love u.
October 1, 2013
Our love, condolences and prayers go out to Ruben's family as they grieve his passing, although we know they are thankful for his life well lived. We have fond memories of Ruben, Noy and family. God bless you and may the Holy Spirit your hearts with comfort in the days ahead.
Deacon Bill & Debbie Malatin
Melvin and Teresa Platt
October 1, 2013
Dear Valenzuela Family,
Our hearts go out to each any every one of you. Your dad will always have a special place in our hearts, because he and your mom were our Godparents in our wedding at the church. May God Bless you all...with deepest sympathies, Melvin and Teresa Platt
Ruby Platt-Robledo
October 1, 2013
Ruben Jr., Eric, Jenny and the entire Valenzuela family,
I was sadden to hear of the passing of your dad. He was a kind and gentle soul. I was blessed to have known your dad my entire life. It was a pleasure to have had him as a teacher and a priest.
Please take comfort in knowing that your dad is at peace and he is now reunited with your mom.
May God Bless you all, Ruby
Karen Meza
October 1, 2013
With Our Deepest Sympathy Our Thoughts And Our Prayers Will Be With You, Father Ruben. God Bless You All I Can See Father Ruben Getting Hugged By All The Angels In The Sky And That Conforts Me He Will Be Missed But He Will Always Be In My Heart
Alicia Thompson
October 1, 2013
Father Ruben my whole family will miss you greatly. We always looked forward to seeing you at church.
Noel Carr
October 1, 2013
I am another one of Ruben's classmates from CUHS's Class of 1960. I know that I speak for all his classmates in saying that we were proud of what Ruben did in his life. His evolution from Ruben the "family man" to becoming "Father Ruben" was inspiring to all his classmates and, I'm sure, to his community. He was a good man and we will miss him. May he rest in peace.
Noel Carr
CUHS Class of 1960
MARY&FAMILY RUBIO&VALLES
October 1, 2013
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998
vicky sanchez
October 1, 2013
My Prayers to the Valenzuela Family during this difficult time, He is no longer suffering, but up in heaven with our heavenly father.
HENRY GONZALES
October 1, 2013
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
October 1, 2013
To the Valenzuela Family,
My condolences at the loss of your loved one. May you be comforted by the many warm thoughts of those who care and may the Lord bring you peace.
Vangie (Hernandez) Campos
October 1, 2013
Ruben was an old classmate at CUHS and a wonderful individual. His passing is felt by all of us and he will be greatly missed.
Charlie Sones
October 1, 2013
"God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered "Come to Me." With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. God only takes the best."
Jose (Joey) Hernandez
October 1, 2013
To the Valenzuela Family please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your beloved brother. Father Ruben will always be remembered as one of our Lord's outstanding servant. I pray that our faith in God will give you the strength to persevere through this difficult time. May the Lord bless you always.
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