RAPID CITY- It is with great sorrow that our Fr. Reuben Valades passed away on Tuesday, March 5, 2013 at the VA- BHHCS in Ft. Meade, South Dakota. Fr. Reuben was born on September 26, 1929, to Catarino and Andrea (Uvalle) Valades in Edgemont, SD. Fr. Reuben graduated salutatorian in his class of 1947. He then worked in Wade's Grocery Store and in the Southern Hills Bank from 1949 to 1952. He served his country in the Korean War from 1952 to 1954. When he returned from the Army, he attended Chadron State College from 1955 to 1957. He then graduated from Black Hill State University with a Bachelor of Science in Education degree in 1959. He taught conversational Spanish for one year in Lead and taught Freshman and Sophomore English at Provo High School in Igloo, SD for three years. In 1963, Fr. Reuben attended St. Mary's College in St. Mary, Kentucky, where he did his undergraduate studies for the priesthood. From 1966 to 1970, he attended Immaculate Conception Seminary in Conception, MO. Fr. Reuben was ordained June 8, 1970, by the late Bishop, Harold J. Dimmerling. His first assignment was as an associate pastor at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Rapid City. In 1973 to 1981, he was assigned to Sacred Heart Church in Phillip, SD and St. Mary's Church, in Milesville, SD. He also worked with the Haakon County Alcohol Center, the Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon Groups, Meals on Wheels, and Haakon County Area Right to Life. In addition, he served as a hospital chaplain and was a member of the Ministerial Association. From 1981 to 1986, he was assigned to Christ the King Church in Presho. In July, 1986, he was assigned to St. Joseph's Church in Gregory and in 1990, Sacred Heart Church in Burke was added to his mission. In 1992, he was assigned to New Underwood and Lakeside. He retired from that parish in 1999. Fr. Reuben will also be remembered by his love for music, especially the guitar which he mastered and the song he wrote titled, "Walking Down Those Forty Days of Lent." In addition to his many friend that he served as their parish priest, he leaves one brother, Salvador (Chuck), Sturgis; one sister, Inez Martinez, Chadron, NE; and numerous nephews and nieces and their families. His father and mother, a sister Alice Gnojek and three brothers, Catarino, Jr., Vincent F. and Gabriel preceded him in this journey. The family also remembers Sister Agnes Holzapfel, a longtime companion and also his loyal dog "Benji" his dog, who also preceded him in death. Visitation will be from 6-7 p.m. with a Christian Wake Service with Rosary at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2013 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, March 8 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help with the Most Rev. Robert D. Gruss, Bishop, presiding and other priests of the diocese concelebrating. A memorial has been established.