IN  LOVING  MEMORY  OF
REUBEN  MICHAEL  SANTANA

Reuben Michael Santana was born on July 16, 1988, in Topeka, Kansas, to Worth-Russell and Shamin Margaret Ophelia Santana. Our dear Reuben passed away on November 26, 2024.

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Reuben attended elementary school in Carbondale, Kansas, middle and high school in East Windsor, Connecticut, as well as the Byron Institute in East Windsor, Connecticut.

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At the age of 16, Reuben dedicated his life to his God Jehovah and symbolized that dedication through water baptism on April 16, 2005.

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As Reuben matured, he had the privilege of having three beautiful daughters—Nizae, Endya, and Nylah. They were the light of his life and he loved them all deeply.

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On April 4, 2023, Reuben married his devoted wife Ashly, whom he loved dearly. As Reuben’s health declined, their love was evident to all as he relied heavily on Ashly. Their reliance on Jehovah gave her the strength to move mountains to get him the care that he needed. Their close bond is a treasured and pleasant memory at this difficult time.

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Of Reuben, his wife, Ashly, says: "He was the reason I fell in love with preaching. No matter where we went, he always found someone to preach to. I loved to watch just how natural it was for him to speak about his God Jehovah. One of my fondest memories of watching Reuben preach was when we were once walking around Times Square. There was a homeless man that everyone kept walking past, just ignoring him completely; Reuben looked at me, smiled, and said wait a minute. He went to the man, kneeled down beside him, and started a conversation. He reassured the man that in Jehovah’s New System, he would never have to worry about being in the current position he was in. He gave him 3 scriptures to write down and the man, moved to tears, thanked Reuben for taking a few minutes out of his day to just speak with him. It was then that he told us that it had been months since he had a conversation with anyone. Reuben smiled at the man and said, ‘You always have Jehovah to talk to.’ Reuben was an amazing husband and taught me what it meant to be loved unconditionaly. I will miss my best friend and look forward to reuniting with him in Paradise.”

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Reuben's father said he admired how loyal to Jehovah he remained down to the end.  He said, “I am encouraged by Hebrews 6:10 that assures us that God is not unrighteous so as to forget [his] work and the love [he] showed for God’s name.”

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Reuben’s older brother, Russell says: “What I remember most about Reuben above everything else, is what comes through in all pictures of him: his beautiful smile—and what it represents about his  personality. From the time he was born, he always radiated a brilliant smile. He often struggled in life, but maintained a happy and positive outlook. He loved to joke around, laugh, and make others laugh too. In his final year of life, despite challenges, he set an outstanding example of love for and loyalty to Jehovah and his standards. I love and miss him and look forward to seeing him again.”

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Mercedes, Reuben's sister-in-law (and Russell's wife) says: "Reuben always had a smile on his face, even when he was in pain—which was often. He joked around with everyone around him. He also shared the good news with some of the nurses who gave him care while he was in the hospital. He was a reasonable person, willing to accept and apply counsel when given him. He was honest and sincere: he always said what he thought, and you never had to

ask yourself what he was thinking or doubt what he thought."

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Preceding Reuben in death was his sister older Rebekah.

Reuben is survived by his wife Ashly, his three daughters,

Nizae, Endya, and Nylah, his parents Worth and Shamin,

his brother Russell (wife Mercedes) and many aunts, uncles,

cousins, and close friends. Reuben loved his wife, loved his

children, and was steadfastly devoted to his God until the end. The

family is proud of how he handled himself while dealing with dire health challenges.

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A scripture Reuben often cited was Proverbs 14:13: 

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Even in laughter the heart may feel pain, And rejoicing may end in grief. 

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That scripture reflected the challenges he faced in life, meeting them all with a broad smile. We will
always remember his sense of humor despite the difficulties.

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Reuben is in the best place he can be in death—in the memory of our great God Jehovah—awaiting
the time when the words of Revelation 21:4 will be reality…

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He will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will
mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.

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We love and miss Reuben—as well as Rebekah, our beloved daughter and sister. We long for the day when we can see them again, hug them, kiss them, and enjoy eternal life with them in God's Righteous New World, where the former things will no longer be called to mind.