Obituary for Ruben Magdaleno
Ruben Magdaleno, 86, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, peacefully entered into rest at home on October 24, 2023, surrounded by his wife Stella and daughter Arlene.
He was born December 11, 1936 to Jesus and Soledad Magdaleno in Rocky Ford, Colorado. He spent most of his life in Rocky Ford.
He was inducted into the Marine Corp on Jan. 31, 1956. He,along with 11 of his lifelong friends enlisted in the military at the same time. 6 went Navy, 6 went Marine Corp. They kept in touch with each other weekly during their time in military. He was very proud of being a Marine and what that stood for.
He married the love of his life, Stella Lovato in 1960. He was a mentor and was patriarchal, yet provided loving supportive advice unless you were wrong; at which time he would be brutally honest, point out your misdeed, then advise you how to first right the wrong, then, would insist an apology was in order, if applicable. He was unwavering when it came to his daughters’ protection, all of whom he affectionately referred to as his Angels.
He worked many jobs throughout his life, as a field worker, onion grader worker, machinist, maintenance worker, roofer, construction, heavy machine operator, lawn maintenance, all of which he learned on the job. He worked for many wonderful people who were willing to teach him. Every job he had brought him a new skill. He also worked at the Crystal Sugar Factory, doing whatever was needed. He mostly worked as a riveter, but he always laughingly, told the story of helping when the silos were being repaired. He would have to be tied with a rope to the fence so the wind wouldn’t blow him away since he was so slim. Later, he went to school and worked as a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor for Resada; first in Rocky Ford, then in Las Animas. He was often on call and was asked to transport inebriated individuals from the Hospital or jail to Resada in Rocky Ford or Las Animas at all hours of the night. He did that with care and respect for the people he transported while in his charge. His hobbies were woodworking and making walking canes from wood.
Ruben attended classes to learn carpentry, small engine repair, and HVAC as well. He was a jack of all trades and master of them all. He did all his own auto repair, plumbing, fixed all his own machinery and appliances. He could fix just about anything and what he couldn’t, he asked for help until he learned himself. He was the fixit guy and did much construction for all his family. His workshop was kept clean and orderly. He taught his son by example, taking him on adventures and allowing for mistakes. A better father does not exist.
Ruben was a very proud member of the Catholic Men’s organization for many years, serving as president for one term.
Ruben is survived by his wife of 63 years, the love of his life, Stella, 3 daughters, Lorraine (Ed) Ramos, Laura (Pete) Perlongo, Arlene (Reuben) Montanez, one son, Ronald (PhuongChi) Magdaleno, 12 grandchildren, 23 great grandchildren, son-in-law Ted Martinez, and 2 brothers John Henry (Mary Ochoa) and Ernest (Jane), and many nephews and nieces.
He was preceded in death by his parents , one of his angels, Shirley Martinez, his brother Paul and sister Gavina Valdez. God bless their souls, they are missed everyday.
Services will be held in Rocky Ford at St Peter’s Catholic Church on Friday, November 17, 2023 beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Holy Rosary and Eulogy will be followed by a funeral mass. Procession to the Valley View Cemetery in Rocky Ford, commencing immediately after Holy Mass. A celebratory dinner, prepared by the St. Anthony’s Circle and the St. Pascual, will be held at St Peter Catholic Parish after.
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Previous Events
Service
Friday
17
Nov
10:00 AM
St. Peters Catholic Church
1209 Swink Avenue-Rocky Ford, CO 81067
Rocky Ford, CO 81067
Services will be held in Rocky Ford at St Peter’s Catholic Church on Friday, November 17, 2023 beginning at 10:00 a.m. The Holy Rosary and Eulogy will be followed by a funeral mass. Procession to the Valley View Cemetery in Rocky Ford, commencing immediately after Holy Mass. A celebratory dinner, prepared by the St. Anthony’s Circle and the St. Pascual, will be held at St Peter Catholic Parish after.
Cemetery Details
Location
Fairview Cemetery
402 Potter Drive
La Junta, CO 81050
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