Ruben Joseph Anaya

Ruben Joseph Anaya, 75 passed away on April 21, 2024, at his home in Las Cruces surrounded by his family.

Ruben was born in Roswell, New Mexico to Timeteo and Ellena Anaya, he graduated from Roswell High School in 1968. He married the love of his life Susie Anaya on July 21,1979. Right after graduation Ruben was drafted and went on to basic training and then on to Vietnam. He served one year there and was given orders to spend one year in Germany. Ruben was given an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1971. Ruben did various jobs in electronics and working with small appliances in different places around the state. Later on in his years he decided to go back to school and graduated from Eastern New Mexico University in Portales, New Mexico with a Bachelor’s in Sociology/Psychology and then went on to New Mexico State University in Las Cruces, New Mexico and completed his master’s degree in social work in 2000 and got a job as a Dialysis Social Worker in Arizona. At 34, Ruben was determined to build his own home for his family back in Roswell, NM. With hardly any help from anybody, he completed it several years later and was very proud of his accomplishments. At the age of 62, he retired and went on to accomplish other small projects. He loved working with his hands. He loved hunting with his friends, nephew, and son in various places in Lincoln and Chaves County. He also taught several semesters at Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Campus focusing on Social Work for Undergraduates. He also did substitute teaching for the Roswell Independent School District after his retirement. At the age of 69, he decided to sell our home in Roswell and bought a home in Las Cruces, New Mexico. From there he spent his time working with his hands, he liked sketching ideas that would come to his mind and built through them. He also enjoyed drawing and sketching cartoons and various things; his mind never stopped. He always said, “those who can do things accomplish more than those that wish they could.” He loved making people laugh and thought that life was too short to be serious. In his free time, he liked watching sports either on TV or going to watch a good baseball game in person. He loved having friends and family over and to him, family was the most important part of his life. He was a God-fearing man that loved his family unconditionally. He loved to learn and when it came to hearing a minister, he always wanted to be taught rather than be preached at. He had a quote in his phone as, so he won’t forget and it stated, “A man who loves God, also loves him who God loves.”

Ruben had two wonderful sons that he was very proud of, David (Flor) and Ruben, and two grandchildren that he thought the world of, Izabella and Roman.

Ruben has one remaining brother, Tim, and wife Gloria Anaya from Albuquerque. One sister, Alvina Apodaca, from Albuquerque and various nieces and nephews; including one uncle from Tucson, Arizona.

Ruben is preceded in death by his parents Timoteo and Ellena Anaya, brother Nestor, Raymon and Ezequiel Anaya. Those who knew and loved Ruben will miss him.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Izabella Anaya, Dylan Ramsey, Roman Anaya, and Nicolette Padilla.

The service will be held on May 16, 2024, at 10:30am at Getz Funeral Home in Las Cruces, NM and following the service will then be taken to Fort Bliss National Cemetery in El Paso, Texas for burial and military honors.

Arrangements of Getz Funeral Home1410 E. Bowman Ave. Las Cruces NM 88001. Please visit www.getzcares.com to sign the local online guest book.

"LETTING GO”

The Angels gathered near your side so very close to you

For they knew the pain and suffering that you were going through

I thought about so many things as I held tightly to your hand

Oh, how I wished that you were strong and Happy once again.

But your eyes were looking homeward to that place beyond the sky

Where Jesus held his outstretched arms

It was time to say goodbye

I struggled with my selfish thoughts

For I wanted you to stay

So we could walk and talk again

Like we did..just yesterday

But Jesus knew the answer

And I knew you loved him so

I gave to you Life’s greatest gift

The gift of letting go