MESA, Ruben Rafael "Ben" Passed away on June 8, 2015, in Grapevine, Texas. He was 44 years old. Ben was born February 19, 1971 in Silver City, New Mexico to Ruben and Vivian Mesa who reside in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Ben graduated from Silver High School, received his Accounting degree from the University of Utah, and his Executive MBA from the University of Texas Dallas. Ben worked for JC Penny in Salt Lake City and was subsequently transferred to the headquarters in Plano, Texas in 2004. Ben's most recent position was the Director of Accounts Payable at Heartland Automotive Services in Dallas, Texas.

Ben's life was centered on his family, most importantly, his two sons, Zachary and Aidan. Ben was an active member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Coppell, TX. He was a 4th Degree member of the Knights of Columbus. Ben also played softball for ten years with the St. Francis Catholic Church in Frisco, TX.

Ben was one of kind. His smile, laugh, and the way he could light up a room are traits he will always be remembered for. Ben was big in stature, bigger in heart, and lived life to the fullest. Ben dedicated his life caring for and helping young cancer patients, after surviving his own personal battle with cancer. Ben had a passion for sports, was a diehard Yankee's fan, and enjoyed coaching football and baseball. Ben was happiest spending time with JoAnne, and mentoring, coaching and loving Zachary and Aidan. He was a devoted son and brother, and loyal to the core to his many friends. Ben's baritone voice would instantly fill even a crowded room, and his hearty laugh, dynamic personality, and his gentle way with people will be sorely missed but never forgotten.

Ben is survived by his two sons, Zachary and Aidan Mesa, his fiancée Joanne Blanchette of Flower Mound, TX, parents Ruben and Vivian Mesa of Salt Lake City, Utah; his two sisters, Monica Mesa Torres (Israel) of Phoenix, AZ, Selena Mesa Young (Cody) of Salt Lake City, UT, and Grandmother Delfina Mesa of Silver City , NM. His Aunts and Uncles include: George and Margaret Alcaraz and their two sons Matthew and Anthony of Detroit, Michigan; Eloy and Linda Mesa and family of Gilbert, AZ; Yolanda and Richard Warnack and family of Corpus Christie, TX; Greg Mesa of Silver City, NM and Antonio and Delia Bermudez and family of Lordsburg, NM. His nieces and nephews: Tomas and Oscar Young and Cristian and Alysa Torres. Ben was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ramona and Angel Alcaraz and Gregorio Mesa.

There will be a memorial service on Sunday, June 14 from 2:00pm to 5:00pm at Rolling Oaks Funeral Home, 400 Freeport Parkway, Coppell, TX 75019. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 15 at 10:00am at St. Ann Catholic Church, 180 Samuel Blvd, Coppell, TX 75019. For Utah family and friends, a memorial service will be scheduled in Salt Lake City, Utah at a later date. Please contact Starks Funeral Parlor for more details at http://www.starksfuneral.com/.

Compliments of Terrazas Funeral Chapels

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