Ruben Salsberry Gonzales

Ruben Salsberry Gonzales, 88, of Piedras Street, Carlsbad, NM, passed away Sunday, April 4, 2021 at his home. Visitation will be 5 PM – 7 PM, Thursday, April 8, 2021 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home. Visitation is limited to 20 people in the chapel at a time and facial coverings are required. Services are scheduled for 2 PM, Friday, April 9, 2021 at Landmark Baptist Church with Pastor Dennis McKinley and Destry McDonald officiating. Interment will follow in Carlsbad Cemetery.
Ruben was born August 27, 1932 in Glencoe, New Mexico to Rube and Dora (Salsberry) Gonzales. He met Manuela (Nellie) at Brownfield, Texas and were married there November 5, 1952. They were married 68 years. Together they had six children: Porfirio (Sonny) Gonzales, Anna Yturralde, Josie Elizondo, Ruben Gonzales, Evelyn Jaquez and Elsie Lara.
Ruben enlisted in the Army in 1953 and served in the Korean War. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1955. Ruben lived in Artesia, NM until 1972 before moving to Carlsbad with his family. He worked at Industrial Electric until his retirement.
Ruben enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren. He also loved fishing and camping. One of his favorite pastimes was camping with Nellie, his brothers, Emilio and Rey, and sister, Faye Gomez and their spouses, storytelling by the campfire. He also enjoyed having get togethers with his family and friends.
On his last day on earth, Ruben got to meet his great-granddaughter, Rose Alliah, who was born April 1, 2021. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters: Olivia Rodriguez, Rufina Rodriguez, Viola Reyes, Faye Gomez, Ora Hinojos, Helen Chavez, Oralia Perea; brothers: Reyner Gonzales, Emilio Gonzales, Prospedito Gonzales; son, Sonny Gonzales; sons-in-law: Larry Yturralde and David Lara.
Survivors are his wife, Manuela “Nellie” Gonzales of Carlsbad; son, Ruben Gonzales and wife, May of Carlsbad; daughters: Anna Yturralde of Carlsbad, Josie Elizondo and husband, Tommy of Trinidad, CO, Evelyn Jaquez and David Rodriguez of Carlsbad, Elsie Lara of Carlsbad; sister, Tillie Garcia and husband, Temo of Artesia; 22 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be Ruben Gonzales, Anthony Gonzales, Steven Gonzales, Larry Yturralde, Sonny Yturralde, Gerard Jaquez, Freddy Sing, Zach Eichwald and Jose Medina. Honorary pallbearers will be grandson Michael Sing, grandson Lonnie Jaquez, grandson Jamar Jaquez, Henry Salsberry and Tomas Rojas.
The family would like to thank Encompass and the following individuals who took such special care of Ruben: Nita, Staci, Jessica, Jamie, Crystal, Shanya, Debra and Brandy.
Condolences may be expressed at dentonwood.com