Ruben Ortiz Sr.

Ruben Ortiz, Sr., 58, entered into eternal peace on July 3, 2015.

Ruben was preceded in death by his parents, Leonides, Sr. and Angelita Ortiz, his sister, Paula Rodriguez, and brother, Leonides Ortiz, Sr. 

He leaves behind a loving family: two daughters, Erica Wilson and Linda Ortiz, a son, Ruben Ortiz, Jr. and three adorable grandchildren: Angelita Gonzalez, and Gabriel and Felix Ortiz.  He leaves behind one brother, Cris Ortiz (Mary) and four sisters: Mary Garza, Fela Ortiz, Mary Pavlock, Ester (Alan) Allgower, and Gloria (Robert) Hastings He is also survived by numerous cousins, nephews and nieces who will miss him dearly.

Ruben was born on September 18, 1956 in San Benito, TX.  He graduated from Hanna High School in 1975.  After graduation, he moved to Rosenberg and worked at Guidry’s Lumber Company for 9 years and then at Houston Lighting and Power for over 20 years.  He had recently moved back to Brownsville from Kentucky where he had moved to be closer to his children and grandchildren.

Thanks to social media, Ruben had reconnected with many friends from high school and he was looking forward to the 40^th class reunion.  He was one of the first people to “Like” a Facebook post and his comments were positive and encouraging.

Ruben had many loves.  First and foremost, he loved his family.  He loved Elvis and often entertained family with his impersonations and renditions of “Happy Birthday” a la Elvis.  His “DJ” voice was discovered by Tejano Radio and Ruben was a natural at commercials and concert introductions.  Ruben also loved the beach, watching cartoons with his grandchildren and taking pictures.  His visits to Texas were one big photo shoot and many consider it now a privilege to have had their picture taken with or by Ruben.  Finally he loved football and was proud of having played for the mighty Eagles.

Like his dad, Ruben never met a stranger.  He had so many talents and one of them was making everyone who knew him feel special and it was a genuine feeling.  He was funny, charming, affectionate and a true gentleman.

His funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1914 Barnard Road  on Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 10:00 AM followed by a Celebration of Life at the VFW Hall at 1801 Veteran’s Blvd. in Brownville.   The interment will be in Rosenberg on Saturday, July 11, 2015 at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cemetery, 1401 Avenue D and the Celebration of Life will be held at the B.F. Terry High School Cafeteria, 5500 Avenue N.

In lieu of flowers, a love gift for Ruben’s children and grandchildren would be a blessing.  Mail to: Ester O. Allgower, 707 T H Johnson Dr., Taylor, TX 76574

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