Ruben Acosta Balderama

It is with a broken heart that we announce the passing of Ruben Acosta Balderama, a beloved brother, husband, father, respected farm laborer, and ranch foreman, on August 29, 2024, at the age of 91. We mourn our loss but celebrate his life.

Ruben was born on March 14, 1933, in Fresno, California, to Samuel Salinas Balderama and Tillie Acosta Balderama, both of whose homeland originally was Chihuahua, Mexico. He was the fourth born of 10 brothers and sisters. Growing up in the farming communities of central California, he learned the value of hard work from an early age. In his mid-40s, Ruben settled in Hopland, California, a small rural community located in Mendocino County, where he met his wife, Wanda Dee, and built a life. His journey was one of perseverance and determination.

For over 60 years, Ruben worked tirelessly in the agricultural fields, rising from a humble farm laborer to a respected foreman working for various local ranches. His expertise in cultivating crops and managing teams was well-known in the farming community. Ruben was not just a worker—he was a mentor, a friend to many and admired and known for being an excellent leader of a kind and gregarious nature.

Ruben's hands were hard and calloused from years of toil, but his heart was soft and full of love for his family. He often shared stories of his childhood growing up in the Depression Era, teaching his children and grandchildren the importance of knowing and embracing their heritage. He was well-read, gravitating to the genres of Mexican Art and History. His favorite moments were spent with his family camping, hunting, fishing and tending to his own modest garden.

Beyond his work in the fields, Ruben was well-versed in current world events, politics, and the plight of those looking for a better life in America. His deep-rooted values for fairness, equality, and justice will be remembered by those who knew him best.

Ruben is survived by his brother Daniel Balderama, sisters Frances Balderama and Sheila Benavidez, his wife of 49 years, Wanda Dee, children Rubianna Balderama, Iyesha Miller, Ruth Mora-Rodriguez, and Mahyue Balderama, 14 Grandchildren, one Great-Grandchild, and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom he loved dearly. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, humility, and love that will endure for generations to come.

The Balderama family invites friends and family members to a celebration of Ruben’s life on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Hopland Tribal Nokomis Conference Center, 13101 Nokomis Road in Hopland, California. The service will begin at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Ruben's name to organizations that support the rights and well-being of farmworkers, a cause close to his heart.

May Ruben Acosta Balderama be forever remembered for his need to help and improve the well-being of others. Forever in our hearts…