Ruben Santillan Obituary (1928 - 2022)

Ruben Bata Santillan, 93, of Brawley, CA passed away peacefully on Father's Day June 19, 2022. Ruben was born October 29, 1928 in Brawley to Timoteo and Jesus Bata Santillan. Ruben attended the local schools and armed with artistic and mathematical abilities with a welder he set out to make his mark in the community as a man of faith and dedicated service. Ruben worked as a welder 55 plus years at Hay Machinery, Mamer's and ultimately becoming a business owner with Ruben's Welding Services. With the lure of Tata Timoteo's tasty Mexican dulces he married his love Frances Sagredo in 1948. Ruben was an active community member of the American Citizens Club and was recognized as a lifetime member for his service. He, along with family members, built the ACC grounds and personally designed and built his own home. He and Frances were founding parishioners of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church and spent countless hours volunteering their talents. Ruben happily shared the family recipe for the raspado syrup for many church tardeadas. In a touching letter from a beloved niece, she wrote: "I will always remember my Tio Ruben with love and laughter and if the Lord ever needed the gates of Heaven repaired, He will have the right man for the job." Ruben and Frances' legacy includes children Paul (Katy Alcantra), Jerry (Gloria Gonzales), Theresa Roybal (Jaime Roybal, RIP), Janet Santillan and Ruben Ray Santillan. They are also survived by a multitude of blessings with nine grandchildren, twenty four great grandchildren and five great great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and Godchildren. Ruben is preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Frances; parents Timoteo and Jesus; granddaughter Sonia Santillan; sisters Anita Jimenez and Lupe Gallegos; brothers Antonio, Johnny and Samuel Santillan.The family would like to thank caregivers Olga Serrano, Maria Hidalgo and Margarita Alvarez for their hard work and dedication in the care they provided to our father.Services will be Friday, July 8, 2022 at St. Margaret Mary's Church; viewing at 8 am, rosary at 8:45 and mass at 10 am. Burial will follow after mass at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley, CA. The family respectfully asks that you wear a mask during service.