Ruben V. Ramirez

Ruben V. Ramirez, 88, of St. Joseph, passed away on Friday, May 11, 2018, at his home. A public grave side service will be held on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 2PM, at Riverview Cemetery, 2925 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI with Pastor David Stout officiating. A Celebration of Life Reception will follow at 2:30PM at the Riverview Park Christian Church, 2929 Niles Rd. in St. Joseph, MI. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Caring Circle (formally known as Hospice at Home). Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Ruben was born on March 30, 1930, to Heriberto and Carmen (Villareal) Ramirez in McAllen, Texas. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1949 to 1952. On November 7, 1962 he married JoAnn Price. Ruben worked at Whirlpool for 30 years, where he retired from the international division. Ruben along with his wife was the captain of a Relay for Life team and they were youth literacy mentors for many years in Benton Harbor. He was an avid golfer and a longtime member of the St. Joseph Lions Club. Most of all he loved his family and will be missed by all who knew him. Ruben is survived by his children Lee Ramirez of St. Joseph, Bryan (Nicole) Ramirez of Benton Harbor and Joy (John) Coleman of Cary, IL; grandchildren Tristin Ramirez, Alex Ramirez, Sara and Jenna Coleman and siblings David Ramirez, Carmen Ramirez and Richard Ramirez. Ruben was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife JoAnn Ramirez; son Michael Ramirez and siblings Ernestine, Herb, Joseph and Tony.