Ruben Gonzales

As we reflect on the life of Ruben Gonzales, we are reminded that our personal achievements may diminish over time, but the positive impact we have on others creates an enduring legacy. Alongside his cherished children, family, and friends, we honor Ruben's lasting legacy of love, support, dedication, humor, and faith—qualities that deeply influenced the lives of all who knew him.

On June 21, 2025, at the distinguished age of 90, Ruben completed his journey on Earth and has now embarked on his path to eternal peace.

Ruben was a proud alumnus of McHi, a distinguished member of the National Honor Society, and was recognized as "Most Handsome" during his senior year. He exhibited remarkable athletic prowess in track and field, competing in events such as the 100-yard dash, 440-yard relay, long jump, and low hurdles. Notably, he placed in hurdles three times at the State level and, in his senior year, was among three runners who broke the national record in the 180-yard low hurdles, achieving an impressive time of 18.8 seconds and earning the title of the fastest hurdler in Texas.

Beyond his track accomplishments, Ruben was a running back for the McHi football team, significantly contributing to the team's advancement to the State semi-finals in 1952. His performance, which included scoring 10 touchdowns and averaging seven yards per carry, earned him a scholarship to Texas Christian University, where he lettered for one year. In 2017, his outstanding athletic achievements were further recognized with his induction into the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame.

In 1958, before completing his degree, Ruben was drafted into the U.S. Army and stationed both in New Mexico and New Jersey. Demonstrating the resilience and determination that defined his character, he returned to TCU in the summer of 1960 to complete his Bachelor of Science in Geology. His academic journey did not stop there; he quickly pursued and earned a Master’s in Education with Counseling Supervision and Diagnostician Certifications from Pan American University.

Ruben's passion for education, rooted in the values instilled by his parents, guided his illustrious 35-year career as an educator. He touched countless lives as a teacher, counselor, diagnostician, and Director of Special Education across various school districts, including Hidalgo ISD, Valley View ISD, Sharyland ISD, and Mission CISD. His dedication to ensuring every child had access to quality education remains a cornerstone of his legacy.

As we uphold the memory of Ruben, we remember his humility, quiet reserve, remarkable work ethic, quick wit, and the profound love he carried for his wife, family and community—a love that shone in every interaction and enriched the lives of those fortunate enough to know him.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Englantina “Tina” Gonzales, as well as his parents, Roque and Anita Munoz Gonzales, and his cherished siblings: brothers Robert, Roque Jr., Richard, and Roy, and sisters Helen Trevino and America Fanick.

What we leave behind is not merely inscribed on stone monuments but is beautifully woven into the lives of those we touch. Ruben is survived by his five loving children: Sandra Sue Cantu, Litsa Lorraine “Lori” (Samuel) Galvan, Eric Christopher Gonzales, Carla Melissa (Omar) Rodriguez, and Belinda Adele (Robert) Lizcano. He was also blessed to be a part of the lives of his five grandchildren: Robert Andrew (Marlene) Lizcano, Lauren Elise Galvan, Megan Alyssa (Antonio) Gonzalez, Dante Alexander Rodriguez, Derek Aidan Rodriguez, as well as his great-grandchild, Micah Lizcano.

In addition to his immediate family, Ruben also leaves behind his loving sisters: Rosalinda (Jack) Oneto from Campbell, California; Gloria (+Joe) DeLeon from Harlingen, Texas; Eva (+Fernando) Lozano from Frisco, Texas; Alicia (James) Cole from San Antonio, Texas; Ana Maria (+Hector) Zamora from Harlingen, Texas; and his brother Ramiro (+Beryl) Gonzales from Del Rio, Texas. Ruben is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, whom he cherished and loved.

Through the enduring love and connection he shared with his family and community, Ruben’s legacy continues to thrive. The values he imparted, the lessons he taught, and the love he so generously gave serve as a guiding light for the generations that follow. To honor his memory is to embrace the principles he lived by: compassion, perseverance, and an unshakable devotion to those he held dear.

Dad, thank you for being our unwavering source of guidance, our inspiring light, and our “Leader of the Band.” Although you may no longer be with us in body, your spirit and legacy will forever hold a special place in our hearts. Your wisdom, kindness, and quiet strength have shaped the very foundation of our lives, teaching us the importance of love, resilience, and determination. We carry forward the lessons you instilled and the memories you gifted, honoring the incredible legacy you left behind.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, June 29 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm, with a Rosary beginning at 7:00 p.m. Holy Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 30 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens at 11:00 a.m.

Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg