Ruben Solis, passed away peacefully on September 15th, 2023, at his home in Buda, Texas. He was born on November 15th, 1951, at Mercy Hospital in Slaton, Texas.
Ruben was the oldest of five children born to Mary and Pete Solis. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers David, Tom, and Guadalupe “Frosty” Solis. Ruben is survived by his wife of 27 years, Olivia (Magallanes), and their five children: Denise Rudd and husband Brad of Slaton, Michael Solis and his wife Josie of Lubbock, Christina Solis of Slaton, Jacob Gonzales of Buda, and Monica Lassman and her husband Brent of Kyle. He also leaves behind his sister, Oralia Gonzales, and her husband Louis of Lubbock, nine cherished grandchildren, three great-granddaughters, and a fourth great-granddaughter expected in January.
A proud graduate of Slaton High School in 1971, Ruben furthered his education at Texas Tech and South Plains College. His early years were spent learning the craft of the body shop and mechanics, a skill he learned from his father. Ruben dedicated many years to the body shop industry before transitioning to Brown McKee Construction and later to Smith Ford of Slaton. At the age of 44, after obtaining his associate degree, Ruben embarked on a fulfilling career in Health and Human Services, from which he retired in 2016.
Ruben’s interests were as diverse and vibrant as the life he led. He found joy in fishing and traveling along the Texas coastline, and he and his wife Olivia never missed their annual trip to New Orleans in search of great food. He was also known for his golf adventures with his cousin Rudy Avalos in Ft. Worth and cherished visits with his nieces and nephews. Retirement allowed Ruben to explore his love for RV trips with Olivia and their three dogs. When at home, Ruben was happiest watching Saturday football, smoking briskets, tending to his yard, and talking UT football with his longtime friend Allan Sanders. One of his other joy was talking to his friends on Facebook and trying to stay out of Facebook jail.
Ruben’s legacy is one of love, resilience, and dedication. He lived his life with a spirit of generosity, always putting the needs of others before his own. His intelligence shone through in his thirst for knowledge and his ability to engage in meaningful conversations on a wide range of topics. But above all, Ruben will be remembered for his love – a love that was evident in his devotion to his family, his passion for his interests, and his unwavering kindness to those around him.
Ruben Solis was a man of extraordinary character and humility. His memory will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. His was a life well-lived, and he will be deeply missed.
A memorial service will be held Saturday September 30th, 2023, at 3 p.m. at Harrell Funeral Home in Kyle, Texas.
