Obituary of Ruben Munoz
Ruben Munoz, age 70, of Crest Hill, passed away Friday, January 30, 2026, at Alexian Brothers Medical Center, Elk Grove Village, following a brief illness.
Born December 22, 1955, in San Antonio, TX, he was the son of Juan and Maria Lilia (Molina) Munoz.
Ruben was a well-known barber who operated Ruben’s Hairstyling in Crest Hill for over 50 years, and also worked as a chemical operator for Stepan Company, Elwood, for over 33 years.
An active supporter of Chaney Monge School in Crest Hill, Ruben was a former member of the Board of Education, and an active volunteer in many of the school’s activities including “Ghouls by the Pool” which raised funds for the Chaney Monge Athletic Association.
Ruben was also a member of the Croatian Cultural Club and the American Italian Wine Club. A music fan, he especially loved the Beatles, and played guitar with many of their good friends in the Joliet area.
When his boys were younger, he was actively involved in the Crest Hill Pony League Baseball program, managing all three of his sons’ teams, and also as a team sponsor. He also recently coached one of his granddaughter’s teams. Ruben was also a former Scout leader.
In addition to being a Minnesota Vikings fan, and an avid Chicago Cubs fan, Ruben and Claudia enjoyed travelling.
Surviving are his beloved wife, Claudia A. (Anderson) Munoz; three sons, Brent (Niki) Munoz, Justin (Michele Dockery) Munoz, and Adam (Danielle) Munoz; nine grandchildren, Alec, Didi, Grant and Kellen Munoz, McKenzie (Kody) Rueger, Tanner, Angelina, and Drew Dockery, and Maizy Dockery-Munoz; three great-grandchildren, Kastle, Vale and Faye; four sisters, Eloisa (Emilio) Abeyta, Alicia (Jose) Nino, Gloria (the late Albert) Barajas, and Anna Camacho; three brothers, Rene (Judy) Munoz, Jose Munoz, and Raul (Kelly) Munoz; a sister-in-law, Jeanne (the late Sylvester) Scalpelli; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Graham; and four brothers, Eulalio, Juan, Jr., Ricardo, and Ernesto, in infancy; his wife’s parents, Claude and Eleanore Anderson; and a sister-in-law, Lynn Schelot.
His family is very proud that Ruben was able to be an organ donor and ask, in lieu of flowers, that memorials in his name be made to Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network, 424 Spring Lake Drive, Itasca, IL 60143 (www.giftofhope.org).
A celebration of Ruben’s life will be held Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., at the Croatian Club, 1503 Clement Street, Joliet, IL 60435.
Cremation rites have been accorded and interment will be private. Fred C. Dames Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. For more information, please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
