Gilbert Ray Rodriguez

Gilbert Ray Rodriguez,  beloved father and husband and passed away on January 18th, 2025 at the age of 94. A resident of Kirtland, NM, Gilbert was born on January 30, 1930 in Los Angeles, CA to Marcelino and Eva Rodriguez. As a child, Gilbert was asked to be a stunt double for George "Spanky" McFarland of the show The Little Rascals in 1940. In 1935, he worked as an extra on the film Mutiny on the Bounty, starring Clark Gable. He spoke fondly of being picked up and held by Clark Gable. 

Gilbert was an avid coin collector, collecting coins for most of his life. He also loved to read the Tri-City Record. He worked as a local truck driver in southern and northern California at Earle and Jorgensen Company. Gilbert was also a proud veteran of the United States Army, having received the World War II Victory Medal.

Gilbert was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Cruz Rodriguez, by his parents, Marcelino and Eva Rodriguez, by his bothers, Richard and Ronnie Rodriguez, sister, Babe, and his grandchild, Shane. He is survived by daughters, Yvonne Schaffer, Priscilla Rodriguez, Kathy Heslep, and Corine Holt, sons-in-law, Jess, Mike, and Fred, grandchildren, Monisha, Danisha, Heather, Kenny, Matthew, and Julie, and great-grandchildren, Ava, Claire, Jane, Oli, Anabel, Val Milo, Von, and Corey. 

A graveside celebration of life service will be held for Mr. Rodriguez on Friday, January 24th, 2025, at Memory Gardens Cemetery.