Ruben Hernandez Saldana

To view a broadcast recording of Ruben's memorial service, please click here.

Ruben H. Saldana passed away at home and returned to his Heavenly Father on Monday, April 6, 2026.

Born on March 9, 1957 to Saul C. Saldana and Pompella H. Saldana in Casa Grande, AZ. He joined his siblings Saul Jr., Sylvia, and Richard. Years later two more siblings were added to the family sons Jamie and Jamie Daniel.

As a child he lived with his parents in Casa Grande, AZ, Imperial, CA and Burley, ID. Ruben received his education in Burley, Idaho and in High School he was on the Wresting Team, Football Team, Marching Band, Bel Cantos and Swing Choir.

He married Joan Grigsby in 1981. To this union a son, Jason Saul Saldana was born. Ruben and Joan later divorced, however, they both made their son a priority and raised him jointly into the amazing young man he is today. Ruben had a daughter, Pam Saldana.

His employment career choices were in Law Enforcement, Emergency Services and Fire Department. Later in his career he moved into the private sector working in Human Services and Safety Director positions at Lamb Weston, McCains Foods and J.R. Simplot Companies. Ruben’s previous extensive education in public safety were true assets to these three private sector employers and his co-workers.

He traveled extensively in the United States expanding his knowledge and training to better serve and protect his employers, the employees, and the communities he lived in. Every new move was a new opportunity to share his training, wisdom and life experiences with all who wished to learn and better themselves.

Ruben took an early retirement to return to Idaho and assisted his siblings in the personal care of their ailing mother.

Upon his return he quickly sought out and reconnected with old friends, classmates and family members. He truly enjoyed these renewed relationships.   

Ruben served and volunteered on many community committees, Boards and private improvement projects he felt passionate about. He loved working with the community youth as a mentor, football coach or whatever position he could to help them grow into responsible adults. He gave back to his communities by pouring his heart and soul into the world around him.

Ruben was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Saul H. Saldana Jr., Paternal Grandparents Francisco M. Saldana and Eva Chapa Saldana, Maternal Grandparents Tomas Barrientos Hernandez and Rosario (Rosa) Virgen and Step Grand-father Leonardo F. Guiterrez.

Ruben is survived by his son Jason Saul (Kelly) Saldana, siblings Sylvia (Charles) Tracy, Richard H. Saldana, Jamie Saldana, Jamie Daniel (Vee) Saldana and many nieces and nephews.  

A celebration of Life will be held to honor and remember Ruben on Friday, May 8, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at First Christian Praise Chapel 1110 8th Street, Rupert, Idaho, located on the east side of Minidoka Memorial Hospital.