After the passing of his beloved wife Rachel he often said “she left me with all these roses and plants to care for” and that’s what we did every day these last three months. Always staying close to the dirt, he pruned trees, pulled weeds, graded the back property and always kept his hands dirty...it was healing for him...like a vitamin he’d say.
Ruben was born to Pablo and Petra (Bertha) Contreras on March 28th, 1939 in North Hollywood, CA. He was the second child of five children. His heart was captured by Rachel (Raquel) Villegas in 1956 in Los Angeles and continued to get to know each other for four years before getting married in 1960. He is survived by his children Louie, Susie, April, Raquel including four grandchildren Kelsey, Nicolette, Tiffiney and Brittiney.
He worked for his father until 1965 then worked for Lee Construction for 13 years...he loved the dirt. He then worked for Garrett Aldrich for 3 years as a superintendent then purchased a 12G Motorgrader in 1978 and began his equipment rental business. He ran several business over the years, trucking, asphalt yes cement work he just loved to keep his hands in the dirt. He always had stories to tell, smiles and laughter and hugs to give to family, friends and never sat around...he’d say “let’s Rock-n-Roll” and we’d go.
He will be deeply missed along with our mother and I know we all will keep their memories alive with stories, laughter and even tears that will water the earth and garden they loved so very much. - Besos.
