Ruben Soto

2/2/1954-10/12/2024

Ruben Soto, 70, passed away peacefully at Sarah House in Santa Barbara on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Ruben was born February 2, 1954, in Lompoc to Roman and Maria Soto. He attended local schools graduating from Lompoc Senior High School in 1972. He went on to attend the University of Chico State. Ruben loved sports and was a proud Braves Varsity Football player. In 1971 the Lompoc Braves Varsity Football Team won the "All Santa Barbara County League" Championship then coming in 2nd place in the CIF championship. Ruben was also named All League Defensive End. In addition, he also ran on the Cross Country Team. He loved wearing his Letterman's Jacket and he was especially proud when he wore it to his 50th Class Reunion. Ruben loved 70's music and was a huge Steely Dan fan. He also loved camping and spending family time at Bass Lake and Yosemite. He also loved riding bikes when he could and was proud to own a bike that was used in the Olympics Team USA.

Ruben was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Raymond Jr., sister Catalina Soto Skolnik, Brother-in-laws Paul Childs and Frank Herrera. Nephew Reggie Magnia. He is survived by his wife of 48 years Rebecca, 3 stepdaughters Elizabeth Budreaux, Joanna Cantu and Candida Rude (Kevin), his son Ruben Jacob. 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his four sisters, Esther Soto Childs, Vela Soto Herrera, Genie and Theresa Soto. Numerous nieces and nephews and cousins.

Ruben was a member of the Painters Union and make a career of painting bridges in the United States. Two of his favorite bridges he painted were the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, the Koocanusa Bridge in Montana. He also painted the tower at LAX of which he was especially proud. He loved doing body work and repainting damaged vehicles as well as painting residential homes in the county.

The family would like to thank the Director, nurses and staff at the Sarah House (Hospice) in Santa Barbara and the staff at Cottage Hospital in Santa Babara. They were all so very kind, thoughtful and helpful in making Ruben's final days so comfortable.

There will be a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at Starbuck-Lind Mortuary on Thursday, November 7, 2024. A mass will be held at La Purisima Church on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m.

No interment will take place. A reception will follow the mass at Johnny's Bar & Grill, 321 W Ocean Ave., Lompoc, CA.

In lieu of flowers, kindly donate to Sarah House, 2612 Modoc Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93105 and/or the Lompoc High School Alumni Assoc., or a charity of your choice.