Ruben Miera

Ruben Miera, age 93, a life-long resident of Algodones, NM passed away in his home on Sunday, March 4, 2018 surrounded by his beloved family. Ruben was born on October 25, 1924 and was one of seven children, born to Mariana and Federico Miera. He attended El Rito Normal School exceling in all sports, lettering in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He graduated from El Rito in 1943.  He entered the U.S. Navy in 1945 and served with a rank of HA 1st Class as Dental Technician during World War II. He married the love of his life, Polly Garcia of Alcalde, NM, on May 19, 1945 while serving in the Navy in San Diego, CA. After his honorable discharge, he returned to work in the family store in Algodones.

Ruben began working in the public sector under Secretary of State, Natalie Buck in 1943, and became Deputy Secretary in 1955, working in that position for six years.  He also worked for the Bureau of Revenue as a Deputy for then Commissioner Johnnie Walker, and later served as an assistant to Congressman Walker in 1967-68. Additionally, he worked in various capacities during the administrations of Governors Jack Campbell, Bruce King, and Jerry Apodaca. During Governor Bruce King’s first term, Ruben was appointed to the Labor and Industrial Divisions as Deputy Labor Commissioner in 1972-1975.  Ruben was then appointed Cabinet Secretary of the Motor Transportation Department by Governor Jerry Apodaca in 1975. Ruben was the only Cabinet member to be appointed without a college education. He continued to serve as Cabinet Secretary of Motor Transportation for Governor Bruce King’s 2nd administration in 1979, until his retirement from state government in 1982. Ruben was also well known for his leadership as Sandoval County Chairman for many decades.

Ruben will always be known for the great love he had for his family, his passion for politics and sports, and for his generosity and willingness to help others.  He will be greatly missed.

Ruben is survived by his brother, Clyde Miera (Lorraine), daughters Rosemarie Villarreal and Diana Ortega (Rick), his son Christopher Miera (Yolanda) and grandchildren Aimee Villarreal, Renee Villarreal (Brandon Snoy), Adam Ortega (Lauren), Aaron Ortega (Kristin), Alyssa Robertson (Kerrick), Allison Miera, and Andrew Miera.  He also leaves many cherished great-grandchildren; Joaquin Garza-Villarreal, Ava and Layla Ortega, Aubrey and Addison Ortega, and Avery and Camille Robertson.

Also touching Ruben’s life were sister-in-law Frances Gonzales (Samuel), devoted companion Terrie Flores Baca and family, cousin John Archibeque, cousin Bennie Lovato and family, and many other special nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents Federico and Mariana Miera, wife Polly Miera, and siblings Delfido, Emma, Amalia, Manuel, and Henry.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. commencing with a rosary, and preceded by a mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church in Bernalillo, NM. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Albuquerque, NM.  Flowers can be sent to FRENCH - Wyoming at 7121 Wyoming Blvd, Albuquerque, NM.

Thank you to our family and friends for your kindness and sympathy at a time when it is deeply appreciated by the Miera family.  God bless you!