Ruben Gomez, 78, died Saturday, October 19, 2019 at his home surrounded by friends and family.
He was born July 19, 1941 in San Benito, NL Mexico, the son of Hilario and Celia (Martinez) Gomez.
Ruben was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and brother. He enjoyed his grandchildren, playing with them and many times throwing up money for all of them.
In his early years, and being the oldest of 12 siblings, Ruben learned to work hard at an early age to help support his family.
At the age of 15, along with his parents, they made their way to the United States where they began to work as laborers in agriculture. This continued for years to come.
On November 15, 1959 in Munday, Texas, he married the love of his life, Mary Lopez, and shortly thereafter they moved to Caruthers, CA. Then, in 1965, they moved to Connell, WA where he worked for farmers harvesting potatoes and hauling for Lamb Weston. Trucking was his passion.
In 1976, he and two others made their way to Alliance where he found work for not only his own family, but extended family as well. Ruben was known for his great leadership and work ethic. Many times it was known that he would manage large groups of people working either in fields or warehouses. He did this for many years, but in 1982 decided to go back to his passion of driving trucks along with his sons Ruben Jr. and Sam Gomez.
In 2012 he retired, passing the business on to his sons. Shortly thereafter, Ruben became ill and succumbed to his illness, leaving behind the most precious gift in his life, his wife Mary, the most devoted spouse any man could ask for. In sickness and in health, Mary, all alone at times, managed to deal with so much stress, loneliness and pain as she was watching her beloved husband pass away. She truly was his most precious gift.
He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Mary Gomez of Alliance; his children, Cindy (Francisco) Jacobo of Alliance, Ruben Gomez, Jr. of Alliance, Sammy (Nikki) Gomez of Sterling, CO, Becky Mikel of Guernsey, WY and Isaiah (Hilary) Gomez of Alliance; 25 grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren and 1 great great-grandchild. He is also survived by his brothers, Roger (Angie) Gomez of Bridgeport, Robert (Otilla) Gomez of Alliance, Hilario (Eva) Gomez of McAllen, TX, Daniel Gomez of Mission, TX, Samuel (Juanita) Gomez of Othello, WA, Florencio (Orfilinda) Gomez of Alliance and Santos (Julie) Gomez of Alliance; his sisters, Lydia (Casimiro) Salazar of Mission, TX, Juanita (Jaime) Galvan of Alliance and Celia (Misael) Lopez of Alliance. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Raul Gomez and his son-in-law, James S. Mikel.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 24, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Templo Bethel-Assembly of God Church. Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, October 23, 2019 from 1-7 p.m. with the family present to greet friends from 5-7 p.m.
Memorials may be given in care of the family at 1124 Niobrara Avenue, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301.
Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.