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Ruben D. Kelly, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, University of New Mexico, Electrical and Computer Engineering, passed away on May 15, 2010. He was born in Magnolia, Arkansas, on January 12, 1927. He married Anita Olson in 1949, and moved his family to Albuquerque in 1957. Ruben was an active member of his church, serving in various ministries until his health made it impossible for him to continue. Ruben served in the Navy during World War II, and then pursued his education, on the G.I. Bill, obtaining a Ph.D. in 1957. His passion was teaching, whether it was the students at the Naval Radar Technicians School, Oklahoma State University, Kirtland Air Force Base, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the University of New Mexico, or taking "hands on" electrical demonstration exhibits to the local grade and junior high schools. In total, Ruben taught for over 35 years. Ruben was awarded the Gulf-Southwest Outstanding Teacher Award for his innovative roll-away exhibit (holding every type of electrical engineering equipment) that could demonstrate for his students the subject matter being studied. He received repeated recognition from his students during his years at UNM, which were for him always the most gratifying. For years the UNM Bookstore carried his teaching notes bound and sold as the "RED BOOK" which captured his unique method to analyze electrical circuits. Ruben was the long time advisor to Eta Kappa Nu (EE Honor Society) and he was especially proud of the Eta Kappa Nu project that built and operated the first message board at the UNM Pit. He also developed and built a Braille HP Calculator for one of his blind students, who with the help of the calculator, went on to be chosen as the Outstanding Electrical Engineering Student of the United States. During his tenure at UNM, Ruben helped several other physically challenged students, so that they could continue their studies. In addition to the love of his family and his students, Ruben enjoyed fly fishing, square dancing with his wife, and he was an avid supporter of Lobo football and basketball for over 30 years. Ruben is survived by Anita, his wife of 60 years; son David M. Kelly and wife, Velma, daughter Fern Anita; daughter Janet M. Mewshaw and husband Dennis Mewshaw, daughter, Marie; Carol Montman and husband Curtis Montman and daughter, Rebecca; and daughter Kathleen Kelly. He is preceded in death by his parents, and one brother, Richard Kelly. The family wishes to thank the many loving caregivers at The Montebello Care Community, Presbyterian Hospice nurse Nancy, and frequent visitors Deacon Vic and the Marianites of Annunciation Parish. French Mortuary, 10500 Lomas Blvd is in charge of arrangements. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Friday, May 21, 2010, 8:30 a.m. at Our Lady of Annunciation Catholic Church, 2621 Vermont NE. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, 1900 Edith Blvd, NE. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Casa Angelica, 5629 Isleta Blvd. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105 or a charity of your choice. Please visit our online guestbook for Ruben at RememberTheirStory.com French 10500 Lomas Blvd. NE (505) 275-3500
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