Ruben G. Pantoja of Lordsburg, NM entered eternal life after a long and courageous battle with renal cancer on June 17, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Pantoja or Tata as he was well known was born December 6, 1935 in Hanover, NM to Angel and Matilde Pantoja. Pantoja through his life was a person of many trades, from farming, mining, to eventually retiring from the New Mexico State Highway Department.

Those left to mourn his passing include his wife of 59 years Nellie Pantoja, children Ruben Pantoja (Mary) Casa Grande, AZ, Frances Rosales (Marty) Lordsburg, Gloria Mata (Monchie) Lordsburg, Sandra Pantoja (Ben) Edgemont, AK, Cathy Parker (James) Kodak, TN, Andy Pantoja (Renee) Las Cruces, Rosie Rodriguez (Jesse) Morenci, AZ, Chris Pantoja (Mary) Lordsburg, Christina Montoya (Joe) Las Cruces, Olivia Pantoja Chicago, IL, 22 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, 4 brothers and 4 sisters, and very dear friends Mike and Yolie Ortega, also many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Pantoja was preceded in death by his parents Angel and MatildePantoja, and brother Rev. Frank Pantoja.

Pantoja enjoyed his full 78 years of life doing and teaching many lifelong lessons, not only to his children and grandchildren but to his many, many friends he had throughout the southwest. Pantoja’s lessons included the outdoors, hunting, fishing, mantanzas, camping, sport activities with his family, playing music on a guitar (though he never quite learned how to), singing, and telling jokes. With Pantoja around there was never a dull moment.

A viewing will take place on June 21, 2014 at 8:00 am, Holy Rosary 9:00 am, followed by the memorial service at 10:00 am at St. Josephs Catholic Church in Lordsburg, NM. Serving as pallbearers will be Marty Rosales, Monchie Mata, Mike Ortega, James Parker, Jesse Rodriguez, Joe Montoya. Honorary pallbearers will be his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to Gila Regional Hospice 1313 E. 32nd St. Silver City, NM in C/O Ruben G. Pantoja.

PANTOJA you will be missed, but never forgotten, forever you will be in our hearts. THANK YOU FOR THE MANY, MANY LOVING MEMORIES, AND THE WONDERFUL LIFE YOU GAVE US, WE LOVE YOU DAD