Ruben Briseno

Ruben S. Briseno went to his heavenly home on April 27, 2013.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 3, 2013 at Bethel Baptist Church, at 11:00 am. The Rev. Richard Grisham and Dr. Mathew Skariah will officiate.

Ruben was born to Pedro Briseno and Frances Salas on December 26, 1934 in Malaga, NM. He was orphaned at a very young age and was shuttled to different uncles to raise him. As a young teenager, Ruben came to Roswell and lived with the Adam Urquides family at the J. P. White Ranch east of town. While there, he worked on whatever needed to be done.

On December 24, 1953, Ruben married Penny Gonzales, the love of his life. He was employed at Prices Dairy in East Grand Plains and they lived there for a year. In February 1955, he began work for the City of Roswell Water Department. He had only a third grade education, but with the help of his wife, he went to night school and earned his GED. Then to advance in his job, he took college classes required in the South Eastern Water and Waste Water Association. He earned the Level I, II, and III Certifications. He was promoted to supervisor, a position he held until he retired. He was awarded the SEW WWA Operator of the Year, and the Operator of the Year in the TriState Water Association. He has received several other awards and recognitions. Before retiring after working for the City for 41 years, he mapped all the Citys water lines, valves, and fire hydrants, as no one else knew where they all were located.

Ruben was a member of Bethel Baptist Church for 49 years. He sang in the Sanctuary choir and was active in Sunday School. He taught the intermediate boys class for several years, worked with the 4 and 5 year old Royal Ambassadors boys, and was a counselor for the boys at the Sivills Boys Camp for several years. Ruben was ordained as a deacon at the age of twenty five and served as an active deacon for as long as his health permitted. Ruben later was a member of the Kings and Queens Sunday School Class. He served on several committees and was always available whenever work needed to be done.

Ruben remained in the Sanctuary Choir and often sang solos. He loved to sing and could always be heard either singing or whistling. He was completely devoted to his faith, had a deep love for his Church, and impacted everyone he met. He never met a stranger. He always had a smile on his face and was always ready to share his love for Christ and his Church.
Ruben was devoted to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He loved his family deeply and his love was evident to them and to everyone.

Ruben was preceded in death by his infant son, Ruben Frank and his parents.

Those left to carry on his legacy are his beloved wife of 59 years, his daughters, Marilyn Briseno and her husband, Clovis Torres of Roswell and Christine BrisenoBove and her husband, Paul Bove, Jr. of Austin, TX his son, Ruben Timothy Briseno and his wife, Sylvia of Castro Valley, CA. His grandchildren are Jade Morris and her husband Neil Morris of Eastvale, CA, their children, Gaje and Saia Paul Jupree Briseno of Castro Valley, CA Samantha Raine Briseno of Castro Valley, CA and one granddog, Fiona Mr. and Mrs. Steve Ortega of Roswell Mr. and Mrs. Desi Gonzales of Tucson, AZ Mr. and Mrs. Paul Bove, Sr. of Safety Harbor, FL Mr. and Mrs. Carl Marshall of Van Horn, TX and several nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
We would like to acknowledge and thank Dr. Richard Pinon Jr., Dr. Hamid Feroze, and Dr. Hector Castro for the excellent care they provided to Ruben. We would also like to thank the ER staff at Eastern New Mexico Medical Center for their kindness and gentle care. Special thanks to Nichole, Gay, Cory, Linda, and Ginger.
Christine and Timothy would like to acknowledge and express their deepest heartfelt love and gratitude to Marilyn, Clovis, and Fiona for the very special care they provided to Dad.
Memorials can be made to the Bethel Baptist Church Building Fund.

Service