Tributes

Ruben Diaz Rivas was a gentle spirit and a caring husband, uncle, brother, and friend. His genuine love and kindness ministered to many as he lived his life for Christ to serve others in a quiet, noble, unassuming way. He crossed the finish line home in Victory on December 2, 2020. His battle with complications from diabetes in recent years demonstrated his courage in facing life challenges with endurance and a smile. Despite the challenges, Ruben stayed strong and courageous and often encouraged children with the same disease not to give up. He was a gentle giant who loved and cared deeply. He loved being together with family and we will miss his presence among us. Ruben was born to Genaro & Anita Rivas on July 10, 1955 in Nueva Rosita Coahuila, Mexico. Born premature at seven months weighing only 2 lbs. he was a miracle baby destined to be blessed by God with much endurance. When he was two his family moved to San Antonio where he grew up deep in the heart of the southside. He was a 1974 graduate from Harlandale High School where he was an active leader in ROTC and later received his Associates in Radio, TV, and Film from San Antonio College. On June 23, 1984 he married his “Tesoro” Selma Fay Martinez in Lubbock. For 36 years they shared their love and life in San Antonio serving side by side at Grove Avenue Church of Christ for 10 years and 26 years at Oak Hills Church. Their children include nieces and nephews they’ve loved and influenced as their own, as well as ALL the children they have been blessed to teach and love in Bibleland. Another ministry they served was the Valley Project that later would become the AMISTAD Short Term Mission Team. They partnered with OHC families for several years to serve churches during the summer throughout the Rio Grande Valley, Colorado, Oklahoma, Mexico, and El Salvador teaching, equipping, developing, and discipling leaders in God’s word. Ruben’s career was in production that included KWEX TV41 and the Spanish Network Univision for 17 years. He also served in production and as a videographer for KSAT-12, Region 20, and Telemundo. His love for being behind the camera was extended to Oak Hills Church where he served as a volunteer camera man over many years. In addition to his professional career, Ruben loved to serve in Children’s Ministry. He shared his passion for learning from God’s Word with hundreds of children over the years. They all loved him and his legacy will be honored as they live with faith and hope in the Name of Jesus, discipling the next generation of Jesus Followers. Ruben was preceded in death by his father Genaro R. Rivas and his father-in-law John R. Martinez. Survivors include his wife Selma, his mother Anita Rivas, a brother Roberto Rivas and sisters, Irene Garza, Silvia Armstrong, Elizabeth Rivas, and his mother-in-law Minnie Martinez. Numerous nieces and nephews and his 2nd grade Bibleland class. Ruben will be honored in a Celebration of Life at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 12th at Oak Hills Church. Visitation hours on Dec. 11th is from 6-8 p.m. at Mission Park North Funeral Chapel on Cherry Ridge. “Let not your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3 https://boxcast.tv/view/reuben-rivas-memorial-service-803329

Tributes

Ruben D. Rivas

July 10, 1955 - December 2, 2020