RUBEN CORDOVA SERNA, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully October 30, 2025.

Born January 19, 1947, in Rincon, New Mexico, Ruben went to Las Cruces High School, Class of 1966, before proudly serving his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He achieved the rank of Sergeant while serving with the 1st Battalion, 44th Artillery as an M42A1 Duster Crewman. Ruben completed one tour in Vietnam from 1966 to 1967, where he faithfully carried out his duties with courage and honor.  His service remained a lifelong source of pride and respect from all who knew him. Ruben attended Dona Ana Branch Community College for Welding Technology.  Afterward, he made a career with the National Guard and worked at White Sands Missile Range for 30 years. Ruben was a member of the National Dusters, Quads and Searchlights Association Inc.  He was an avid supporter of Paralyzed Veterans of America, Shriner's, St. Jude and Wounded Warriors. Ruben was also an organ donor, in which many will benefit from this gift.

A devoted Minnesota Vikings fan, competitive softball player/ baseball coach, and passionate WWE enthusiast, Ruben rarely missed a softball/baseball game or Monday Night Raw/Friday Night SmackDown match. His enthusiasm was contagious, and his family will always remember his laughter, teasing, and the joy he found in sharing stories.

Ruben brought warmth and humor to every gathering. For many years, he delighted family and friends by donning the red suit as Santa Claus, spreading happiness to children and adults alike at home and at the local VFW and National Guard.

Ruben was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 56 years, Dorothy Altamirano Serna; his parents, Pedro Muñoz Serna and Josefina Cordova Serna; and his siblings Felix Cordova Serna, Pete Cordova Serna, Cecilia Miranda, Elisiada Salas, and Gloria Serna.

He is survived by his loving children Sandra A. Serna, Peter E. Serna (Kim), and Ruben A. Serna (Kristi); his cherished siblings Jesus "Chuy" Cordova Serna (Cherry), Francisco "Kiko" Cordova Serna (Gloria), and Maria Louisa Serna; and his adoring grandchildren Felicia Martinez (Elaine), Nathaniel Apodaca (Jazmin), Immanuel Apodaca, Carlos Jaramillo (Victoria), Dei Vizcaino, Angel Vizcaino (Katelynn), PJ Serna (Araiah), Hunter Serna, Trey Soucy, Erika Soucy, and Evan Soucy.

His love also lives on through his great-grandchildren Gabriel, Dominic, Aliana, Amina, Nathaniel Jr., Lennox, Ace, Ezekiel, Zayna, Jazzmin, Azayla, Bently, Angel Cross, Zayden, and Alora.

Ruben's legacy of love, laughter, service, and storytelling will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew him. His family takes comfort knowing he is reunited with his beloved Dorothy and all those who went before him, watching over them with his trademark humor and boundless love.

A viewing for Ruben will be held on Monday, November 24, 2025, at 6 PM, Rosary to follow at Baca's Funeral Chapel 300 E. Boutz Road Las Cruces, NM. A Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 10 AM. at Our Lady of Guadalupe in Tortugas, NM.

Serving as casket bearers will be Nathaniel Apodaca, Immanuel Apodaca, Carlos Jaramillo, Peter Joel (PJ) Serna, Ryan Hernandez and Mario Pacheco Jr.

Honorary bearers include granddaughter Felicia, great-grandchildren Gabriel, Dominic, Aliana, Amina, Nathaniel Jr., Lennox, Ace, Zayden and Alora.

The family invites all who knew and loved Ruben to join them in celebrating his life, sharing memories, and honoring his legacy of love and laughter.

Flowers may be sent to Baca's Funeral Chapel or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ruben's memory to a charity, veterans' organization, church, or community group of choice.

Military honor will be accorded by the New Mexico Army National Guard Honor Guard and the Marine Corps League - El Perro Diablo Detachment

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