Ruben Leija

Ruben Pequeno Leija, 69, of Waco, passed away, Saturday, November 14, 2015. Funeral service will be Thursday, Nov. 19, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Victorious Life Church with Rev. Lloyd Zeigler officiating. A visitation will be 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home.
Ruben was born on Sept. 27, 1946 to Eleuterio Leija and Hilaria Pequeno Ramirez in Weslaco, TX. He joined the United States Army to serve his country in the Vietnam War from 1966-1968. He was honorably discharged in 1968 with a purple heart, shortly after, he met the love of his life. He said he spotted a beautiful girl in a pink dress and fell in love with her and knew soon she would be his bride in which they were married on September 27, 1969. Ruben and his lovely wife Lola, just celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary on his birthday on September 27, 2015. He was a wonderful, Godly, husband, father, grandfather who loved his family with all his heart. He was always smiling and loved watching his two teams play, which were the Dallas Cowboys and the Texas Longhorns. He loved spending time with his Veteran friends at El Charro's and loved to go fishing with his grandsons. Ruben was loved by many and he too loved everyone that he blessed with his presence. He will always be missed but his love will always remain in our hearts and in our memories.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Esmeralda Leija and a brother, John Leija.
He is survived by his loving wife, Leonarda Leija; three daughters, Elizabeth Torrez and husband Joe Jr., Elva Lopez and husband Bobby, Estella Lopez and husband Manuel Lopez Jr.; 7 brothers, Noe Leija and wife Beri, Jimmy Marquez and wife Delma, David Marquez and wife Linda, Jesse Marquez and wife Suzie, Benny Marquez and wife Liz, Cleto Marquez Jr. and wife Anita and Willie Marquez; four grandchildren Kelsey Lopez, Joseph Torrez, Antonio Torrez and Sienna Lopez.
Pallbearers include, Noe Leija, Bobby Lopez, Manuel Lopez Jr., Joe Torrez Jr., Joseph Torrez, Antonio Torrez, Danny Salinas and Johnny Salinas
The Guest Book is available at www.gracegardensfh.com