Ruben Romero, who passed away on December 18, 2025 was born on December 30, 1937, and grew up in the small town of Nambe New Mexico, just north of Santa Fe. His parents were Canuto and Marcelina (Salazar) Romero. Ruben had three brothers and six sisters and was the last living sibling, preceded in death by his parents, siblings, and their spouses. Brothers were Frank, Otoniel (Josie), and Juan. He had twin sisters who were deceased at birth, as well as sisters Felipa Valdez (Valentín), Donelia Jimenez (Catalino) and Rose Martinez (Vicente Jr.). Ruben was the youngest of the 10.

Raised on a farm, Ruben's life was not easy. His day started at daybreak where he cleaned and checked irrigation ditches for watering, cut firewood, and cared for the various animals, including chickens, hogs, goats, cows, and horses. In the summer months, he harvested fruits and vegetables so they could be canned for the winter. Most of the houses were made of adobe bricks and Ruben helped to mix mud and straw for the adobes, stacked them to dry, and was always on the go. Ruben was an excellent horseman and he loved all animals.

His Catholic faith was probably the most important part of Ruben's life. He attended church on Sundays and prayed a rosary every night. He would pay homage to a church in Chimayo, New Mexico, by walking there at least once a year from his home, which was about 10 miles away. When he grew older and moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, he continued to serve the church by joining the Knights of Columbus. He was a Fourth Degree Knight who served the church alongside his brother knights by helping with many church events.

He married Mary "Kathy" Rivera on June 16, 1963, and dedicated his life to her; he was always by her side. He watched over her like she was made of gold, and to him, she was. They moved to Flagstaff because work was scarce back home and traveling to Santa Fe for work was too far. In Flagstaff, Ruben could walk to work and his first job was at Jeld-Wen. After that, he went to work for the Flagstaff Unified School District, where he worked for the schools until he retired. He and Kathy were inseparable; their marriage was like it was made in heaven. She loved him and he loved her.

Ruben and Kathy also spent time with family, including his cousins Louie and Bobby Garduño and their parents, his aunt and uncle. Ruben and Kathy were always there for the family creating memories such as going on vacation to New Mexico and picking piñon.  Ruben was a kind man; he never spoke bad of others and was always trying to make you smile or laugh. Ruben also danced and loved music. Ruben is missed but his family knows that he is with our heavenly Father.

Kathy joined Ruben in eternal rest on January 26, 2026, only a few short weeks later. They are survived by Kathy's sisters Jenny and Sharon; their goddaughter Letitia Martinez; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who were like family.