Ruben Gonzales was born on February 12, 1954, and passed away on February 12, 2017, after a short illness. He lived his entire life in Bakersfield attending Virginia Avenue School, Fairfax Elementary, and Foothill High School. He earned his bachelors degree in Sociology from UC San Diego.He is survived by his mother, Maria Cruz, his brothers, George (Sadie), Carlos (Martha), and Javier (Jill) and his sisters Angelina (Manuel) Ibarra and Grace (Victor) Patino and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Teresa, his father, Jesus, his stepbrothers, Albert, Adolph, and Tony and stepsisters Pascuala Fimbres and Soledad Flores.His wife, Teresa, was the love of his life. They were involved in rescuing animals and did so often, as family members can fondly remember. Ruben was kind always thinking of others. He will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends.In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to Our Lady of Guadalupe building fund or the Bakersfield SPCA.Visitation and Rosary will be Tuesday, February 21 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 22nd at Guadalupe Church at 10:00 am. He will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park following mass. Arrangements are through Basham Funeral Care.