Ruben Miera

Ruben Miera, age 93, a life-long resident of Algodones, NM passed away on Sunday, March 4, 2018 surrounded by his loving 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, and graduated in 1943. He entered the U.S. Navy in 1945 and served during World War II. After his honorable discharge, he returned to work in the family store in Algodones. He married the love of his life, Polly Garcia from Alcalde, NM, in May 1945. He began working in the public sector under Secretary of State, Natalie Buck, and became Deputy Secretary in 1955, working in that position for six years. He also worked for the Bureau of Revenue, served as an assistant to Congressman Johnnie Walker, and also worked in various capacities during the administrations of Governors Jack Campbell, Bruce King, and Jerry Apodaca. He was appointed 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 retired from state government in 1982. Ruben was also well known for his leadership as Sandoval County Chairman for many decades.

He 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, Adam Ortega (Lauren), Aaron Ortega (Kristen), Alyssa Ortega-Robertson (Kerrick), Allison Miera, and Andrew Miera. He also leaves many cherished great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and sister-in-law, Frances Gonzales. He is preceded in death by his parents, Federico and Mariana Miera; wife, Polly Miera; and siblings, Delfido, Emma, Amalia, Manuel, and Henry.

A Rosary will be recited Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 8:30 a.m. followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 301 S. Camino Del Pueblo in Bernalillo, NM. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in Albuquerque, NM. Please visit the website at: www.FrenchFunerals.com for the extended obituary and details about the service.

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