Ruben Villarreal

Ruben Villarrreal Sr. was born in San Antonio, Texas 1937. He was raised by his grandparents by the Rio Grande River. He joined the Army in 1956 and was stationed at Fort Lewis Base Camp in Tacoma, Washington. It was there that he met his future wife Betty Jean Whitefoot in Tacoma. They were married two months later at the White Swan Community with a double wedding. Betty’s brother Samuel Whitefoot and his fiancé, Alice Malloy, were married by Reverand’s Rael and Carter, on December 7, 1956 soon thereafter they moved to the Yakima Valley where he worked with Inaba Farms, White Swan Lumber Company, other farms. In 1978 they purchased the Lazy R Tavern in Harrah, Washington from Johnny and Linda Johnson. They made many friends and shared lots of laughter, jokes and pool playing. They owned the Lazy for 22 years before his 2005. He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Betty Jean Whitefoot Villarreal. He was also preceded in by his mother Victoria Reyna Cruz, sister Stella Villarreal, adopted son Tony Mendoza, his brothers on his wife’s side, Delmar Whitefoot, Russel Whitefoot, Johnny Whitefoot, and Sam Whitefoot. Sister in-law Mildred Whitefoot Whiz and his beloved in-laws who he loved very much, Ambrose and Minnie McCoy Whitefoot. Ruben is survived by his daughter, Debra Whitefoot, Sons Carlos Villarreal and wife Lorelei, Ruben Villarreal Jr. Grandchildren, Cialita, Aaron, Leanne, Mylene Villarreal, Ruby, Ruben III, Corinna, Tyren, Silas, Elliot and Quinn, and many great-grandchildren. Services and viewing will take place at Valley Hills Funeral Home in Wapato at 9:00 a.m. After services we will have a procession to Valley Hill Crematory, 2600 Business Lane, Yakima, WA up Terrace Height Drive. A Lunch will be held afterwards at the Tribes He will be remembered most for his kindness, generosity, and humor. His house was open and welcome to all and so will his services. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Ruben Villarreal, please visit our flower store.