In Loving Memory of Ruben R. Balles, Sr.

August 10, 1939 – October 13, 2026

With heavy hearts and cherished memories, we announce the passing of Ruben R. Balles, Sr., who entered into eternal rest on October 13, 2026, at the age of 87, following a brief illness.

Born on August 10, 1939, in Eagle Pass, Texas, Ruben lived a life rooted in faith, family, hard work, and an appreciation for life's simple pleasures. He was a devoted family man, a faithful member of Peace Tabernacle, and a man whose wisdom, strong work ethic, and love for those around him left a lasting impression.

Ruben dedicated much of his working life to Trees, Inc., where he served as a manager. Through his years of experience, he developed an extraordinary knowledge of trees and their care. Retirement may have ended his professional career, but it certainly didn't end his passion. Anyone who knew Ruben knew that a simple visit to their home could quickly turn into an impromptu lesson on which tree limbs needed trimming and the best time of year to prune them. Once a tree man, always a tree man!

And retirement? Well, Ruben wasn't quite ready for that either. Never one to sit still, he soon found himself working at Walmart in Wharton, Texas, where he spent another ten years before deciding it was finally time to retire—for real this time!

With more time on his hands, Ruben devoted himself to caring for his home, tending his yard, raising cattle, and feeding and caring for his chickens. He found happiness in staying busy, working with his hands, and taking pride in the land and home he loved.

In his younger years, Ruben and his first wife, the late Maria Juarez Balles, shared a love for horseback riding and the outdoors. As members of the Los Vaqueros trail riders, they enjoyed countless rides, evenings around campfires, and the friendships that came with those adventures. Eventually, they traded the hustle and bustle of Houston for the peaceful country life of Hungerford, Texas, where they established their family home and raised their two sons, Ruben Jr. and Raymond.

Ruben also enjoyed fishing, spending time outdoors, and sharing his knowledge and life experiences with those around him. He appreciated the simple things in life and believed in the importance of faith, family, and an honest day's work.

Above all, Ruben treasured his family. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought him tremendous pride and joy. Through his words and actions, he passed along the values of love, faith, perseverance, and hard work—lessons that will continue to guide his family for generations to come.

As the years passed, one of Ruben's most treasured traditions became the Saturdays he spent with his son, Ruben Jr. Without fail, Ruben Jr. would visit his dad each Saturday. Sometimes Ruben Sr. had a few little jobs waiting for him, and other times there was nothing on the agenda except a good cup of coffee and conversations about life. Those ordinary Saturdays became extraordinary memories, filled with love, laughter, and the quiet bond between a father and his son.

Ruben's faith remained a cornerstone of his life. As a cherished member of Peace Tabernacle, he found strength, fellowship, and comfort in his church family. His faith guided him through life's blessings and challenges, and his love for God and family remained steadfast.

Ruben was preceded in death by his parents, Jose O. Balles and Petra Rodriguez; his first wife and the mother of his sons, Maria Juarez Balles, who passed away in 1995; and his brothers, Edward Valles and Alvino Balles.

He leaves behind his wife, Mary Louise Garza Balles of Wharton, Texas; his sons, Ruben J. Balles, Jr., and wife, Joe Ann, of Wharton, Texas, and Raymond Balles of Point Alto; and his daughter, Petra Balles, Estella Balles Lopez and Candelaria E. Tonch, and her husband, Miguel A. Tonche).

He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Mia Nicole Balles, Damien Ray Balles (Gisell Reyes), Madilynn Balles (Chavis Baylor), Allison Anne Balles, Noe Soliz Jr., Nora Soliz, Gloria Soliz, Crystal Romo (Eduardo Romo), Manuel Tonche, III (Maria C. Tonche), Mikie A Tonche (Lizeth Tonche), Candace Banda, Erin A Ortega, Isaiah Ortega, Emma Soliz, Paul Lopez Jr., Stephanie Lopez, Gilbert Lopez, and his beloved great-grandchildren; Aunesty Jae Owens, Nylah Rae Balles, Zaiden Ray Balles, Kay'Leigh Caesar, Chavis Baylor, Jr., Carmelo Baylor, Chanalys Baylor, Fabian A Gonzalez, Avryn Z. Banda, Aiden R. Banda, Everlyn C. Hernandez, Mikayla Brianne Tonche, Mia Elizabeth Tonche, Angelo Mikel Tonche, Christian Ares Tonche, Angel Eros Tonche, Tavian Tonche Tatum Tonche, Tayveni Tonche, Emma J. Soliz, Luvena A Flores, Atta R Maciel, Mercedes Guzman, Jay Guzman, Isabella Guzman, Gabriela Guzman, Erik Lopez, and Kayla, Rain, Adriana, and Haylee Garza.

Ruben's legacy is not measured simply by the years he lived, but by the lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared. It lives on in the trees he tended, the land he cared for, the stories he told, and the family he loved so dearly.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Wharton Funeral Home, with Pastor Michael Bumgarner officiating. Family and friends are invited to gather in celebration of Ruben's life, to share treasured memories, and to honor a man whose presence will be deeply missed.

Though our hearts are heavy, we find comfort in knowing that Ruben's work here on earth is complete and that he has found eternal peace in the presence of his Lord and Savior.

Rest peacefully, Ruben. Your work is done, your legacy lives on, and your love will remain in our hearts forever.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com