This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Valdez, Calanche Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/5065/mb.ashx Message Board Post: RUBEN O. VALDEZ, 65, of Las Cruces passed away Sunday, December 26, 2010 at Mesilla Valley Hospice - La Posada. He was born December 23, 1945 in Pecos, Texas to Adelina Calanche. "Pops" as he was fondly known to many, served his country honorably in the United States Army from which he retired. Ruben was a great dad, awesome step-dad, wonderful husband, the best brother and uncle and very loving grandfather, but most of all, he was the best friend anyone could ask for. He enjoyed being a foster parent for the past 15 years and was an active member of Iglesia El Calvario UMC and loved to do anything that dealt with the Lord. One of his favorite songs was "Blue Christmas" by Elvis Presley. He was very family oriented and loved to have all his family together so he could cook for them and enjoyed watching the Dallas Cowboys when they played. Go Cowboys!!! Now it's time to say "good bye Pops, we have reached the end. We don't cry with sorrow, we cry with joy. You know we will always love you. The memories we made can never be destroyed." Survivors include his wife, Sylvia Valdez of the family home; one son, Ruben Valdez II of Dallas, Texas; his step-children, Carlos, Yolanda, Becky, Diana, Oscar, Robert, and David all of El Paso, Texas and Ana Clements of Arkansas; one brother, George Calanche also of El Paso; five sisters, Linda Montez of California, Alice Calanche of El Paso, Yolanda Hernandez of Albuquerque, Sylvia Macias and Patricia Sanchez both of El Paso. Other survivors include 41 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother and an uncle Eliseo Valdez. Visitation for Mr. Valdez will begin at 2 PM, Thursday, December 30, 2010 in Iglesia El Calvario, UMC, 300 N. Campo Street, where the Funeral Service is scheduled to begin at 3 PM with Pastor Raul Dominguez officiating. A graveside service will be held at 10 AM, Friday, December 31, 2010 in Ft. Bliss National Cemetery. Military honors will be accorded by a Ft. Bliss Honor Guard. Serving as casket bearers will be Isaac Macias, Carlos Ovalle, Gabriel Salazar, Brendon Rogers, Jesse Rogers, Ruben Valdez II, Larry Calanche and Chris Calanche. Entrusted to Baca's Funeral Chapels, 300 E. Boutz Road, Las Cruces. 527-2222 Exclusive providers for "Veteran's and Family Memorial Care" To send condolences online log onto www.bacasfuneralchapelsascruces.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on December 29, 2010 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.