Ruben Solis Simon

Ruben Solis Simon, 88, of Prairie Grove, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026. He was born in Cebu City, Philippines on February 22, 1938, to Alfonso and Primetiva Solis Simon.

Ruben met the love of his life, Zenaida Cabellon, in Punta Princesa, Cebu. They shared 48 years of marriage before her passing on November 13, 2014.

Ruben was a man of sacrifice, determination, and deep devotion to his family. In the Philippines, he built a successful career in management and earned degrees in mechanical and electrical engineering from the Cebu Institute of Technology. He also served as a professor at the University of San Jose-Recoletos, where he shared his knowledge and work ethic with his students.

With a vision of creating greater opportunities for his children, Ruben made the courageous decision to leave behind his thriving career and move to the United States. He worked tirelessly, often holding two jobs at a time with United Technologies and Courtesy Plastics Industries, doing whatever was necessary to provide for and protect his family.

Ruben was honest to the core, fiercely protective of those he loved, and never afraid to do hard things. His strength and sacrifices shaped the lives of his children and grandchildren, whom he adored and proudly spoiled every chance he had.

He is survived by his children, Alfonso (Claire), July (Rodelo), Rosalind (Kevin); and by his beloved grandchildren, Meghan (Brian), Ethan, Morgan, Ashley, Bradley, and Abigail.

Ruben was preceded in death by his beloved son, Neil, who passed away on May 4, 2022.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 14, from 4:00 p.m. until the prayer service at 7:30 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory. Final goodbye will be held Friday at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home, followed by a procession to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Windridge Memorial Park and Nature Sanctuary, Cary.