Ruben Sanchez

We are sad to announce the passing of Ruben Gilbert Sanchez on October 3, 2025, four days before his 84th birthday. He passed peacefully surrounded by his family.

Ruben Gilbert Sanchez was born October 7, 1941, exactly two months to the day before the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the beginning of World War II. The family nicknamed him "Huero". He was the first child born to Manuel and Libby Sanchez and was born at home in Santa Paula.

In 1943 the family moved to Sanger, CA. Ruben started 1st grade in Sanger and also attended schools in Fresno, San Jose and graduated from Santa Paula High school in 1959. In high school, he discovered his artistic talents after enrolling in Art and Woodshop classes. He received several awards in Art and a 1st place award from the Rotary Club for a cedar chest entry he designed and built in Woodshop, spending over 50 hours hand sanding the project.

His first real job was in the summer of 1955 when he worked at an apricot ranch in upper Ojai drying and processing apricots. After, he worked at different places such as, the O'Leary Apricot Ranch earning 50 cents per hour, the Santa Paula Airport building airplane hangars, the Dickenson citrus ranches, and a small dinnerware manufacturing plant.

Drafted by the Army in February 1964, he had basic training at Ft. Ord, was later sent to Ft. Lewis in Washington State, served in a mechanized infantry battalion, became a Sergeant, provided basic training to new recruits and was honorably discharged in February 1966. Over the years he attended many military reunions throughout the country reconnecting with the recruits he trained.

Hired by 3M Co. in Camarillo on April 11, 1966, he worked different jobs like, Supplier, Machine Operator, Supervisor and Security Guard. In 1996, 3M Co. changed to Imation, and after working for both companies, he retired on November 1, 2000, completing 34-1/2 years of service. Though retired for 25 years he still maintained contact with his former co-workers attending their annual "Old Timers" B.B.Q. and coordinating and participating in their annual golf tournament.

Having not drawn a picture in over 25 years, Ruben renewed his interest in drawing and every year would draw one or two drawings and entered them in the annual Ventura County Fair. He was awarded many, many 1st place blue ribbons, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons as well. He was most proud of the portrait drawing he did of himself and his wife in which he was nominated "Best in Show". In addition, he also received the "Spot Light" award for one of his drawings.

Ruben is survived by his wife of 47 years, Myrlene, step-children Bobby Melton and Terry Carter, grandchildren Jenna, Taylor and Nicole, 2 great-grandkids with another one on the way. He also leaves behind siblings Manuel Sanchez Jr., Christina Sanchez, and Ron Sanchez, many nieces and nephews, Uncle Frank Sanchez of Atascadero and Aunt Lola Romero of Fresno, any many cousins.

Services will be provided by Perez Family Funeral home. A viewing is planned for Sunday, October 12th from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Burial will be on Monday, October 13th at 1:00 p.m. at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.