Ruben B. Gonzalez

It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of Ruben B. Gonzalez, 50, of Las Cruces, New Mexico. Ruben was a devoted family man whose strength, generosity, and steady presence shaped the lives of all who knew him.

Born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Ruben was the beloved son of Fortunato Gonzalez and Emilia Barraza Gonzalez. He remained proud of his roots and deeply connected to his family throughout his life.

Ruben earned a degree in Architectural Drafting and Design and built a respected career as a general contractor and owner of Fine Line Design and Tile. A skilled tile layer, brick and masonry craftsman, he possessed a rare ability to build, repair, and solve virtually anything placed before him. There was nothing he could not fix. His intelligence often exceeded his own belief in himself, and his work ethic was unmatched.

Above all, Ruben was a devoted partner and father. His partner of 28 years, Cynthia Y Nevarez, was the love of his life and his constant companion. His children; Gabriel Gonzalez, Anthony Parra, Isaiah Lerman, and Paris Gonzalez were his greatest accomplishments and daily motivation. He shared a unique and special bond with each of them. He was the kind of father who would drop everything to run across town to take Paris her forgotten dance shoes for practice, volunteer with Anthony’s band boosters, and cheer the loudest from the stands for Isaiah on the football field. He worked alongside his son Gabriel Gonzalez, teaching him trade skills and life lessons that would endure. He was proud to continue the Gonzalez labor tradition.

In recent years, his greatest joy was becoming “Pops.” His grandson Kane Ray Lerman lovingly gave him that name, and it became one of his proudest titles. He cherished his granddaughter Jennavicia Gonzalez and eagerly awaited the birth of his grandson, Abel Isaiah Ray Lerman, who will be born in March 2026.

Ruben was especially excited about his plans to move to Sierra Vista and begin a new chapter of life. He looked forward to embracing a slower, more peaceful pace—spending his days simply being “Pops,” surrounded by his grandsons and enjoying the meaningful moments that mattered most.

Ruben was preceded in death by his son, Gabriel Gonzalez; his father, Fortunato Gonzalez; his paternal grandfather, Fortunato Gonzalez Sr.; his maternal grandfather, José Trinidad Barraza; and his grandmother, Maria Dolores Navarrete. The loss of his father and son weighed heavily on his heart and we find some peace knowing that they are now together.

He is survived by his loving partner, Cynthia Y Nevarez; his children Anthony, Isaiah Paris; his grandchildren Jennavicia Gonzalez, Kane Ray Lerman, and soon-to-be-born Abel Isaiah Ray Lerman; his mother Emilia Barraza Gonzalez; his paternal grandmother Consuelo Gonzalez; his brothers Michael Salmon, George Gonzalez, David Gonzalez and wife Veronica Gonzalez, and Angel Gonzalez his partner Cheyenne Armstrong; beloved godson Antonio Ramirez and many nephews and nieces, aunts, uncles, extended family members, and friends.

Ruben brought laughter and joy into every room he entered. His family often joked about the home projects he enthusiastically started and sometimes never finished, but there was never a question about his devotion, his capability, or his love. He worked his entire life to support his family through every phase, always present, always consistent, always dependable.

His passing leaves a tremendous void in the lives he touched. While his family will miss him deeply, they find comfort in knowing he is now at peace.

A viewing will be held Wednesday, February 25,2026. from 5:00–6:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m., at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Ave., Las Cruces, NM 88001. Funeral services will be held February 26 from 10:00–11:00 a.m., with burial from 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. at Masonic Cemetery, 760 S. Compress Rd., Las Cruces, NM 88005.

Pallbearers will be, Anthony Parra, Isaiah Lerman, Antonio Ramirez, David Gonzalez, Angel Gonzalez and Martin Whaling. Honorary pallbearers will be Andrew Chavez and Josiah Diaz.

 Family and friends are warmly invited to attend and join in fellowship as we honor and remember Ruben’s life.

Ruben’s legacy of hard work, devotion, and unconditional love will live on in the family he cherished above all else.

Te Amo mi Rúben por siempre, Cyn.