Ruben Trujillo

Ruben Joseph Trujillo
November 15, 1954 – September 20, 2026

Jesus welcomed Ruben Joseph Trujillo home on the morning of September 20, 2026. Ruben passed away at his home in Tooele, Utah, at the age of 71.

Ruben was born on November 15, 1954, in Tooele, Utah, to Valentine and Tonita Trujillo.
In 1975, Ruben married the love of his life, Susan LouAnn Beebe. Together, they shared 51 wonderful years of marriage and built a life centered on faith, family, service, friendship, and plenty of laughter. Ruben was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend to many.

Right out of high school, Ruben began working for Al & Lids Furniture Store, installing carpet and linoleum. He later became self-employed and spent 15 years laying carpet. Ruben installed so much carpet in a Grantsville subdivision that Ruben Avenue was named after him. He also worked for National Lead for 12 years and EG&G for another 12 years.

Faith was at the center of Ruben’s life. He was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1976, and serving the Lord became one of the greatest joys of his life. Shortly after joining the Church, he served for four years in the Young Men presidency. He also served as a member of a bishopric and three times as a ward mission leader. One of Ruben’s most meaningful callings was serving for four years as branch president at the Tooele correctional facility. He cared deeply for the men and women he served and helped many of them draw closer to Jesus Christ. His testimony, compassion, and willingness to serve left a lasting influence on countless lives.

Ruben loved hunting, fishing, camping, four-wheeling, and guns—especially when he could enjoy those activities with family and friends. He also had a lifelong passion for beautiful cars and always enjoyed owning a nice vehicle. Ruben owned a Corvette from the time he was in his twenties and was a longtime member of the Kingsmen Car Club in Tooele and the Corvette Club of Utah.

For 18 years, Ruben helped run the Tooele Fourth of July car show, and for 14 years, he ran the Corvette show. These events attracted cars and participants from throughout Utah and brought Ruben many cherished friendships. Whether through car shows, Church service, or the community, Ruben had a gift for bringing people together and making lasting friends.

To many of his friends, Ruben was affectionately known as “Sam”—a nickname they said stood for “Smart Ass Mexican.” The name suited his quick wit and unforgettable personality. Ruben had a wonderful sense of humor and was famous for his funny—and occasionally off-color—jokes. He loved making people laugh and rarely missed an opportunity to do so.

Throughout his life, Ruben was accompanied by five wonderful dogs who became beloved members of his family. He also had a pet parrot named Poncho, who was every bit as cheeky as Ruben.

For the last 20 years of his life, Ruben endured a long and difficult battle with diabetes, arthritis, and Parkinson’s disease. During that time, he also suffered two strokes, a brain aneurysm, and kidney failure. Through years of serious health challenges, Ruben demonstrated tremendous strength and perseverance, supported by his faith and the love of his family.

Above everything else, Ruben loved his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Susan; his daughters, Shawndi Beacham and her husband, Ernie, and Aubrey Martinson and her husband, Marty; and his brothers, Ron Trujillo and Andy Trujillo. Ruben was the proud grandfather of 10 grandchildren: Kenadi Beacham, Bridger Beacham, Calbert Beacham, Sicaly Beacham, Brystal Beacham, Kayden Martinson, Hallie Martinson, Jace Martinson, Miley Martinson, and Grady Martinson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Valentine and Tonita Trujillo, and his sister, Diane Wall.

Ruben was blessed with a large extended family, and he made it a priority to remain close to them throughout his life. He will be remembered for his deep faith, tireless service, strong work ethic, love of family, passion for cars and the outdoors, and a sense of humor that could brighten any room.

Ruben was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His influence will live on through the family he loved, the people he served, and the many lives he touched.

A visitation will be held Friday, September 25, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Tate Mortuary, 110 South Main Street in Tooele, Utah.

On Saturday, September 26, a visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the LDS stake center located at 253 South 200 East in Tooele. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m.

Immediately following the funeral service, family and friends are invited to participate in a car rally in Ruben’s honor—a fitting tribute to his lifelong love of cars. After the rally, a luncheon will be provided for everyone back at the stake center.