Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Ruben Chavez Obituary
Sergeant Chavez was a recipient, and awarded the Purple Heart, having served two Vietnam tours in 1964-1966 where he had been reported Missing in Action.
Family was later informed that he'd been located in a Japanese hospital where he was treated for wounds sustained in the war. He was later returned to his home in Watsonville, CA.
Sergeant Chavez now rests peacefully along with his mother, Mary Lopez Chavez; his grandmother, Annie Olguin; and brothers, Jesse and Daniel Chavez; and his brother-in-law, Santos Mendez.
He is survived by his children, Monica, Ruben Jr., Juanita (Cupcake) and Yolanda; brothers, Tony Rogers (Chavez) and Joe Chavez; sisters, Trine Mendez, Rosie Jaquez, Veronica Ramirez, Rita Chavez; Uncle Bill Olguin; as well as many grandkids, nieces and nephews; in addition to several family members in Barstow, CA and Albuquerque, NM and other cities throughout the U.S.
Services for Sergeant Chavez will be held at the Fort Ord Memorial Cemetery on March 24, 2026 at 11:00a.m. A celebration of his life will follow at 1pm at the American Legion Hall, Watsonville.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ruben Chavez
3 Entries
Amanda G Palomar
March 29, 2026
My uncle Ruben was my #1 uncle he´s true means the world to me I only wish I could have been closer to him. I moved to Dallas Texas but would talk to him on the phone. My thoughts and prayers are with the family may he rest In peace!!!!! I love you forever tio Amanda
How you can show support
Ismael Mike Serrano
March 20, 2026
We offer a final salute as your soul lay at rest.
Gerald Pitman
March 19, 2026
Whenever a Purple Heart Patriot leaves us, we know, only too well, that sacrifice made for his comrades, his loved ones and his Nation. Our members of the Military Order of the Purple Heart render a final Salute.
Respectfully, Gerald Pitman, Inspector MOPH Department of California.
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results
Memorial Events
for Ruben Chavez
People and places connected with Ruben
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Ruben's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Ruben Chavez's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
