Reubin Matthews, a longtime resident of Pima, peacefully passed into eternal life Friday evening, July 10, 2020, at the Tucson Medical Center, following a brief illness. Reubin was 78.
Reubin was born on July 1, 1942, the son of Harold I. and Lelon Leora Barnett Matthews, in Solomonville. Following his graduation from Benson High School he furthered his education at Eastern Arizona College and soon began working at Leonard’s Texaco. Reubin met Raeleen Ferrin and they were married December 9, 1966. Together Reubin and Raeleen began to raise a family as Reubin would soon gain work with the City of Safford, where he was employed for the next eight years before obtaining employment with Phelps Dodge Mining Corporation in Morenci. His duties at the copper mine were that of a power house operator. Reubin devoted 30 years of his time and talents to the copper mine, retiring in 2007. Reubin was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Reubin leaves to mourn: his three children, Lance, Connie and Scott; three grandchildren, Jerinelle Sue Matthews, Westley Orion Matthews and Donald Kaeden Matthews; his sister, Ila Mae Matthews; and three brothers, Harold Matthews, Dave Matthews and Gordon Matthews. Reubin was predeceased by: his beloved sweetheart, Raeleen, in December of 2016; their son, Donald; and his sister, Leora Christine Matthews.
Funeral services for Reubin will be conducted Friday morning, July 17, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., at Vining Funeral Home’s “Chapel of the Valley”. Concluding services will follow in the Matthewsville Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening, July 16, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., at the Vining Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be offered at www.viningfuneralhome.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Vining Funeral Home.