Obituary- Ruben Sandoval

Ruben Sandoval
4-17-1923 ~ 7-9-2012
Ruben ‘Ray’ Sandoval, 89, went home to be with his loving Father on July 9, 2012 at the Colorado State Veterans Nursing Home where he had been a resident since January 20, 2011.
Ray was born on April 17, 1923 in Pictou to the union of Balbina and Jose Sandoval.
He served in the US Army from 1941 through 1945 in the Pacific islands and from 1948 through 1952 in Germany, leaving the military as a Staff Sergeant. Ray was also a member of the Walsenburg City Council for 23-years; serving as Mayor Pro-Tem and Mayor. He was extremely honored when Ray Sandoval Street was named after him and enjoyed showing the sign to friends. Ray worked in the coal mines, in construction, as a police officer and retired in 1984 after having worked 16-years as a custodian for the schools.
He loved children and enjoyed teasing the girls about their long skirts, calling them grandmas. He was an avid sports fan and loved watching football, basketball, and most especially the Rockies. He loved to watch hunting and fishing shows as well as telling stories of all of his hunting and fishing trips that he and his son Jerry went on. A highlight of his day was visits from family and friends, most especially his Pappy and Larry coffee time each morning.
Ray married his loving wife Martha on November 15, 1948 and they shared 63-years of marriage until her passing in January 2011.
He is preceded in death by his parents; bothers, Leo, Ruben, Orlando, Ernest and his sister, Theresina.
Ray is survived by his children, JoAnn (Larry Lovett) Sandoval, Gerald ‘Jerry’ (Chuky) Sandoval; grandchildren Rachel (Rick Rivera) Sandoval, Nichole (Jeff Dickenson) Sandoval, Leanne Lucero, Jack (Angie) Ortiz; great-grandchildren, Makayla Lucero, Jack, Derrick and Daisha Ortiz; brothers, Xavier Sandoval, Manuel (Dixie) Sandoval; sisters, Dora Wilkins, Amada Sandoval, Della Smith, Rachel Sammon as well as by numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Special friends at the veterans nursing home, his card playing buddies and numerous other friends; he considered no one a stranger.
Ray’s winning smile, personality and ability to befriend others will truely be missed, but we find comfort in knowing that someday we will meet again in Heaven.
Rosary was at 10 am, followed by the Funeral Mass at 10:30 am on Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at St. Mary Catholic Church. Burial is at South St. Mary Cemetery in Walsenburg, Colorado.
Boies-Ortega Funeral Home of Walsenburg, is in charge of arrangements.