Ruben Castillo Ortiz Jr.

BURLEY – Ruben Castillo Ortiz Jr., a 56-year-old resident of Burley, passed away Monday, November 10, 2025, in Nampa.

Ruben was born with a big heart and an unforgettable presence. Funny, cheerful, emotional, and full of life, he touched every room he walked into. He had a way of making people laugh, drawing them in with his humor, warmth, and the joy he got from simply being around the people he loved.

Ruben grew up in Burley and attended both Burley High School and Minico High School, graduating in 1987. During high school, he proudly wrestled, something that built his strength, discipline, and determination. After graduating, Ruben enlisted in the National Guard, where he became Private Ortiz, completing basic training at Fort Knox, Kentucky.

He later dedicated more than 15 years of his life to caregiving, working as a CNA at Mini-Cassia Care Center. He carried his compassion, caring for residents with dignity, patience, and genuine kindness.

Ruben loved the simple things that made life meaningful: fishing, watching scary movies, celebrating Halloween, and even just playing the music he loved like Creed, Beastie Boys, and Selena Quintanilla, always among his favorites. Wherever there was music, Ruben was dancing. At every family gathering, he was the first on the dance floor, the life of the party, and the one to bring laughter. He’ll forever be remembered as the family comedian who loved to dance and be with the people he loved most.

Ruben taught his children how to be good people, responsible adults, and loving parents. His spirit, laughter, and love will continue to live on through his family and all who were blessed to know him.

Above all else, Ruben adored his family. His grandkids were his pride and joy, and he cherished every moment with them.

Ruben is survived by his children, Ruben Ortiz Jr and RubyAnn Idalia Ortiz and their partner Kori Wakley; grandchildren, Vinnie Kossman-Andres, Ollie Ortiz, Carmelita Selena Jones, and Athena Ortiz; parents, Patricia Martinez and Abraham Sanchez (step-father); siblings, Josie Ortiz, Ernesto Martinez and his wife Nancy, Sergio Gutierrez, Jesse Esparza and his wife Katelin, Daniel Esparza and his wife Ashley, Lisa Marie Ortiz, Ruben Ortiz, Guadalupe Ortiz, Sebastian (Sheena) Ortiz, and Sylvia Ortiz.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ruben Ortiz; and sister, Carmelita Macias.

A memorial service to celebrate Ruben’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, November 22, at Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home, located at 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley. Interment with military honors provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Group will take place at Pleasant View Cemetery following the service.