RUBEN MONTOYA AVALOS, age 68, lifelong resident of Las Cruces entered eternal life on Thursday, September 28, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 13, 1955, to Romelia Montoya and Robert Avalos. Ruben retired from the City of Las Cruces in 2016. He was a devout Catholic and enjoyed serving the church as an usher at the Basilica of San Albino.

Everyone he met always became a friend. He treated everyone with respect. Ruben loved joking around and cherished the time with family and friends doing what he enjoyed doing the most which was fishing and camping. Ruben always made sure his family was taken care of and his greatest love was his family especially his great grandchildren and he never missed a birthday party, game, or special event they had. He will be forever missed as a husband, dad, grandpa, brother, and friend.

Survivors include his loving wife of forty-nine years, Frances Avalos; two beautiful daughters, Trinidad Avalos (Mickey) of Mesilla and Margaret Carrasco (Roger) of Mesquite; a brother, Bobby Avalos of San Miguel and four sisters, Margie Reyes and Vivan Orosco (Ruben) all of San Miguel, Gloria Randles of Las Cruces, and Connie Jacquez (David) of Chaparral.  Other survivors include five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Ruben was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Frankie "Sapito" Avalos and George "Chochie" Dominguez; two brothers-in-laws, Jose Bertoldo and Juan Reyes.

Calling hours for Ruben will be from 11 AM to 1 PM Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road. The Prayer Vigil is scheduled at 2 PM at the Basilica of San Albino, 2070 Calle de Santiago in Mesilla where the Funeral Mass will be celebrated immediately thereafter with the Reverend Christopher Williams Celebrant. At his request cremation will follow and Inurnment of cremains will take place at a later date.

Serving as casket bearers will be Anthony Carrasco, Aldo Nunez, Robert and Raymond Avalos, Willie Reyes, and Adam Balderrama.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com