Ruben Maestas, Sr. 89 of Mancos, Colo. passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. Ruben grew up in the San Luis Valley of Colorado. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1953-1957 before marrying the love of his life, Frances in 1958. Ruben is survived by his wife of 68 years, seven children, Ruben (Cindy), Sharon (Ed), Leonard, Michael, Steven (Lesa), Evarista (Jeff) and Sandra (Joe), 11 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. His preceded in death by his daughter, Patricia. 

Ruben grew up in San Padro, Colorado and was the 12th child of fifteen born to Juan and Evarista Maestas in 1937. After the Navy, Ruben went to Mancos to visit one of his many sisters where he met his future wife, Frances Martinez. They were married in 1958 at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Mancos. They began having children and moved around Colorado before settling in Denver in 1968 where they lived for ten years. After a decade of city life, Ruben and Frances relocated the entire family back to Mancos. In Mancos, he opened up Ruben's Corner which included a beauty salon, laundromat, dry cleaners and restaurant. Throughout the next forty-eight years in Mancos, Ruben worked as a logger, on the oil rigs, at the local match factory and worked his remaining years before retiring as owner of the Columbine Bar. 

In retirement, he and his wife were able to travel around the world. But Ruben always enjoyed being at home with their grandchildren the most. Ruben was an active member of the Catholic church and relied heavily upon his faith.  A funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Mancos with a Rosary preceding the mass at 9:30 a.m.