Ruben Palma

Ruben Barela Palma, age 60 of Safford, passed away July 28, 2015. Ruben was born January 15, 1955 to Refugio Palma and Nellie Barela Palma. As he was growing up, Ruben lived with his family in San Fernando Valley, California, where he attended schools. Later in his life, Ruben moved to Safford where he met and married his wife, Alice Palma. They resided there while Ruben worked at the mine in Morenci to provide for his family. Alice then later passed away in 1994. Ruben enjoyed fishing and donating his time to help others. He was an usher at the Potters House Church in Safford and donated much of his time for Meals on Wheels and for St. Vincent de Paul. Ruben is survived by his daughter, Nellie (Freddie) Palma of Los Angeles, California, 2 grandchildren, Freddie and Joshua, and sisters, Virginia Burns of Safford, Toni (Tony) Calonge of Tucson, Julie (David) Vasquez of Globe, Gloria (Steve) Palma of Palm Dale, California, Mary Helen (Jesus) Legarda of Pima and Christina Palma of Safford. He is preceded in death by his parents, Refugio and Nellie Palma, brother-in-law, Efren, and brothers, Randy, Ramon, Richard and Reynaldo. A viewing for Ruben will be held Saturday August 8, 2015, at 10:00 a.m. at The Potters House Christian Church in Safford with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at a later date.