Ruben Lopez

Ruben Lopez, 77, a resident of Española, Ruben Lopez passed away on Friday, March 1, 2024. His loss is deeply felt by his community.  He is preceded in death by his father Benito Lopez, mother Estella L. Lopez, brother Ben Lee Lopez, and daughter Shanna Renee Johannsen. He is survived by his wife Vickie Lopez, former wife Betty Jean Piper, daughter Leah Lopez, granddaughter Brianna Johannsen, sister Helen Salazar, nephew Benjamin Lopez, and many dear extended family members. Following high school, employment in carpentry led to an interest in building and architecture, where he excelled as a draftsman and mason. In the 1980s, he was a draftsman for the Las Vegas Tropicana Hotel and Resort, later became a well-respected building inspector for the State of NM, and retired into a beautiful home that he designed and built in the Espanola Valley. Among his creative interests, he had a love for classic automobiles and restored several as a hobby. In 1966, Ruben was baptized a Jehovah’s Witness, pursued a study of the Bible, and engaged in the scripture-sharing service. He helped construct and beautify Kingdom Halls in the US and Central America using his masonry skills. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his friends and remained a dedicated servant until his passing. Many of his friends and family remember his warm smile and demeanor. He was a very positive and happy person, greeting everyone with a smile, and will be missed by everyone who knew him. A memorial service will be held for him on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 4:00 PM at the River Valley Kingdom Hall, located at 18625 US-285 S, Espanola, NM 87532, officiated by David Sandoval Sr.