Obituary of Patrick Rueb

Patrick Dennis Rueb, 61, of Vona, Colorado passed on Sunday, morning, October 11, 2009 from injuries sustained in a single vehicle accident. Pat was born on April 24, 1948 in Dodge City, Kansas to Justin "Sam" Rueb and Evangeline "Vangie" Rueb. Pat was third of eight children - seven boys and one girl. Shortly after Pat's birth, the family moved to a farm near Vona, Colorado. Pat graduated from Stratton High School in 1966 and attended college at Fort Hays Kansas State College. During the fall of his senior year he began dating the love of his life, Rita Pickard. They were united in marriage on August 8, 1970 at St. Charles Catholic Church in Stratton, CO. They were later blessed with three children Audrey Jo, Bryant Benjamin, and Christina Marie. After Pat and Rita were married they moved to Greeley, Colorado and Pat worked at Southwest Hide with his brother John Rueb. Soon after moving to Greeley, Pat joined the National Guard and trained at Fort Dix, New Jersey for six months. He spent six years serving in the United States National Guard. In 1972 Pat and Rita returned to Eastern Colorado to begin farming with her parents Kenneth and Jo Ann Pickard. The years of farming with Kenneth Pickard spanned over 35 years. Through this business partnership Kenny and Pat developed a strong friendship and mutual respect for each other. Together they built a farm that has been able to be continued on, by Pat's son, Bryant. Pat was also a mail carrier for the Vona Post Office for over 20 years. During that time he established many close friendships with the people that have come and gone from his mail route over the years. He has always been an active member of the community. In past years he served on the Hi-Plains School Board and was President for two of those years, he was an active member of the Vona Lions Club for over 30 years, a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church, a member of the Vona American Legion, and was currently serving on the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital District Board. Even though work and community played an important role in Pat's life, there was no role that was more important to him than husband and father. No one was more important to him than his family, especially, his wife, Rita. Nothing made him happier than to spend a quiet weekend at home with Rita and the dogs or seeing his kids and grandkids. Pat never wanted to be the center of attention. In a crowd, he was often known to just disappear, but he was always there, when need be. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, there was always a sense of humor or respect. Pat had a gruff exterior, but inside was a heart of gold. Pat was preceded in death by his father Justin "Sam" Rueb, mother Evangeline "Vangie" Rueb, brother-in-law, Jack Burian, and infant granddaughter, Abigail Jo Hase. Pat is survived by his wife Rita Rueb, his three children: Audrey (Andy) Hase of Kirk, CO; Bryant (Brenda) Rueb of Vona, CO; and Christina (Chris) Castillo of Burlington, CO. Grandchildren: Austin, Tyler and Carley Hase; Alyssa Rueb; and Jaydon, Tallon, and Christian Castillo. Mother-and-Father-in-law, Kenneth and Jo Ann Pickard, Vona, CO. Pat is also survived by his brothers and sister John (Arlene) Rueb of Boise, ID; Bill (Paula) Rueb of Torrington, WY; Elaine Rueb of Denver, CO; Stanley Rueb of Burlington, CO; Robert Rueb of Flagler, CO; Mark (Kathy) Rueb of Scottsbluff, NE; and Justin (Barbara) Rueb, Jr. of Vona, CO; his sister-in-law, Cheryl Burian, Seibert, CO and many nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian burial was held at St. Charles Catholic Church in Stratton, CO on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. Recitation of the Rosary was held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 at St. Charles Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be made in Pat's name to the Kit Carson County Memorial Hospital or Vona-Seibert Volunteer Ambulance c/o Colorado East Bank and Trust, 141 Colorado Avenue, Stratton, CO 80836.