Ruben Bustamante Gonsalez

Ruben Bustamante Gonsalez, 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home on Thursday, January 5, 2012. There will be no visitation, cremation has taken place. A Vigil is scheduled for 6:00 PM, Sunday, January 8, 2012, at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for Monday, January 9, 2012, 2:00 PM, at San Jose Catholic Church with Father Valentine Jankowski, OFM, Conv. officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery, Carlsbad, New Mexico. Carlsbad Veterans Honor Guard will provide military honors. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Ruben Bustamante Gonsalez was born in Loving, NM on February 16, 1932 to Manuel and Consuelo Gonsalez. He served in the US Air Force during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1956. Ruben married Rosie Briones in 1959 and they had five beautiful children. He was the owner and operator of the Rex Bar. Ruben was a lifetime member of the San Jose Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign War, and American Legion. He was a spokesperson and active member of the New Mexico Senior Olympics winning medals in several track and field events, cycling, and billiards. He enjoyed woodworking, running and spending time with family. He was preceded in death by his mother, father, one sister and two brothers. He is survived by his wife, Rosie Gonsalez; children: Rhonda Rodriguez, Ruben Jr., and his wife, Donna, Rosalyn Gonsalez, Valerie Lopez and husband, Chris, David and his wife, Tracy; grandchildren: Tristen Hamilton, Tarin Guevara, Aaron Guevara, Trey Gonsalez, Christian Gonsalez, Roman Gonsalez, Caitlin Gonsalez, Rylan Gonsalez; three great-grandchildren and two sisters: Sulema Yturralde and Linda Lyons. Memorial contributions may be made to fund of your choice at the Carlsbad Foundation, 114 South Canyon Street, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com.