- Date Of Birth: December 6, 1935
- Date Of Death: June 17, 2014
- State: New Mexico
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 throughout his life was a person of many trades, from farming, and 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, sports 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.
