Ruben G. Garza

Longtime McFarland, California resident Ruben G. Garza Jr., 69, passed away on April 7, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Born on March 10, 1946 in San Benito, Texas to Ruben and Carmen Garza, the family eventually moved to California, settling into the community of McFarland. In 1968, Ruben married his soul-mate Martha, together raising three sons and two daughters, in addition to a grandson, Jonathan. Ruben was an active and long serving member of the McFarland community, giving of himself as a public servant, first, as a Reserve Police Officer and later as Police Commissioner, City Councilman, and Mayor. Ruben was also a successful local businessman, who along with his brother, owned businesses in Bakersfield, Delano, and Wasco which allowed him the means to generously support countless local school, church, and other community fundraisers and events. Later in life Ruben began a second career working in the Automotive Industry, ending with an approximately 18 year period with Family Motors where he established many close friendships he cherished deeply. Having traveled back and forth to the Coachella Valley throughout the years to visit family, Ruben and Martha became so fond of the area they elected to make it their final resting place, first laying his beloved wife to rest in January 2005. Visitation will be held, Sunday, April 12, 2015 from 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. at Forest Lawn Coachella Chapel, Coachella, Ca. Graveside Service will be held, Monday, April 13, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at Coachella Valley Cemetery, Coachella, Ca. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Forest Lawn Coachella.