Ruben Rojas-Oviedo

Dr. Ruben Rojas-Oviedo, 63, of Madison, AL, passed away March 12, 2018.

Ruben was born to Ruben Rojas Sanchez and Elvira Oviedo Rojas in Mexico City, Mexico.  He attended the Instituto Politecnico Nacional, in Mexico City, where he received his B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering.  He received an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University, an M.S. in Applied Mathematics from Auburn University, and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Auburn University. 

Ruben was an educator for 30 years, teaching students from middle school to the collegiate level.  He taught at various colleges including Auburn University, Tuskegee University, California Polytechnic State University, Alabama A&M University (AAMU), and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.  He developed the Mechanical Engineering program at the Engineering School of Alabama A&M University and under his leadership helped the program gain ABET accreditation. Ruben served in various roles at the university including Associate Professor, Department Chair of Mechanical Engineering, and advisor and mentor to many students and Students Associations including the Society of Women Engineers.

Ruben enjoyed participating as a VIP soccer team volunteer for the American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO Region 498), serving as a Madison Public Library volunteer, playing the guitar, and spending time outdoors.  He had enormous amounts of energy and enthusiasm for his children and grandchildren.  His humor and conversation were trademarks of his engaging nature.  He was inquisitive, passionate, and determined in achieving his personal and professional goals and his fervor for life will be missed.

Ruben was preceded in death by his father Ruben Rojas Sanchez.

Ruben is survived by his wife Esther Ramirez Rojas of Madison, AL; his 3 children, son Ruben Hansen-Rojas and his wife, Karen, of Parker, CO; daughter Eileen Rojas Phillips and her husband, Keith, of Madison, AL; daughter Erin Rojas of Madison, AL; his mother Elvira Oviedo Rojas of Mexico City; 4 grandchildren, Isabella and Harper of Parker, CO, and Bree and Logan of Madison, AL.  He is also survived by 3 sisters, Elvira, Yolanda, and Irma of Mexico City; 4 brothers, Ricardo, Raul, Rafael, of Mexico City, and Rene, of Houston, Texas; and 18 nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Special Olympics Alabama or Madison Hospital.