Ruben Mendez

Mr. Ruben Mendez, age 58, formerly of Lockhart, passed away peacefully at his home in Hermiston, Ore., on Sept. 14, 2011. He was born on Feb. 23, 1953 in Lubbock, Texas.

He lived in Idaho and Nebraska before settling in Hermiston where he worked in refrigeration for the Union Pacific Railway for 23 years. Ruben loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, camping and gardening. H

e was passionate about cooking and his family.

He is survived by his four children: Ruben, Jr. (Gabriela) of Seattle, Wash., Teresa Cabadas (Ismael) of Pasco, Wash., Benjamin (Ion) of Meridian, Idaho, and Roland of Hermiston, Ore. Surviving him are also seven brothers and sisters: Eron Mendez, Jr. (Dora), of Lockhart, Virginia Vazquez, of Austin, Mary Alice Moreno (Miguel), of Austin, Yolanda Llamas (Johnny), of Lockhart, Mary Ortiz, of Del Valle, Hector Mendez (Amy), of Del Valle,  and Dolores, of Austin; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Eron and Catherine Mendez, Sr. and a brother, Joe.

Arrangements were made under the direction of Burns Funeral Home, Hermiston, Ore.