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Ruben Cortez

Posted 2008-06-18 by Judy Wight Branson
Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona
Wednesday, October 5, 2005

Ruben Cortez Jr., age 66, died on Oct. 2, 2005, in Prescott. Ruben was born in Phoenix on June 1, 1939, to Ruben Cortez Sr. and Cruz Ochoa.

Ruben spent most of his life in Prescott and graduated from Prescott High School in 1956. Upon graduating, he joined the Marine Corps and served with distinction in the Korean War.

Ruben returned to Prescott and started his career with the City of Prescott. He was actively involved in the community working with organizations, such as the Special Olympics and Jaycees. In addition, he officiated at softball and volleyball games, as well as coached many winning sports teams. Other interests included traveling, playing practical jokes, and being an avid fan of the ASU football team. In January 2005, after completing 43 years of service with the City of Prescott, Ruben retired.

Ruben was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary Cortez and son, Danny Cortez.

Ruben is survived by his wife, Kathleen Russell of Prescott; children, Reggie Cortez of Phoenix, Veronica Cortez and Winford Frady, Jr. of Castro Valley, Calif. and Connie (Cortez) Weiss and James Weiss of Phoenix, William and Susan Russell of Charlottesville, Va., and Lesley (Russell) Simone and James Simone of Poulsbo, Wash.; grandchildren, Nathan Cortez, Marcus Cortez and Bobbi Cortez, all of Checotah, Okla., Whitney Welch, Martin Apolinar, Armando Apolinar, and Alisha Apolinar, all of Prescott, and Alexia Simone and Brandy Simone, both of Poulsbo, Wash.; also great grand-dude, Tallen Simpson of Prescott; his faithful canine companion, Lady; and brothers and sisters, Lupe Olea of Pittsburg, Calif., Belia Drane, Annie Lopez, Joe Cortez, David King and Becky Driskell all of Phoenix.

Visitation will be on Thursday, Oct. 6 from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Hampton Funeral Home at 240 S. Cortez St., in Prescott. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life service on Friday, Oct. 7 at 3 p.m., at American Lutheran Church, 1085 Scott Dr., in Prescott.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to Yavapai Exceptional Industries, 436 N. Washington, Ave., Prescott, AZ 86301.

The Hampton Funeral Home assisted the family with the arrangements.

Information provided by survivors.







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