Charles Reyes

Charles “Charlie” H. Reyes Sr., 88, of Prescott, Arizona, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2026.

Born on January 19, 1938, in Prescott, Arizona, Charlie was the son of the late Augustine and Margarita Reyes. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy aboard the USS Maddox (DD-731), carrying with him a deep sense of duty and honor.

Following his military service, Charlie met the love of his life, Ruth “Cuca” Ballesteros. The two were married and made their home in Prescott, Arizona, where they began building their life together and welcomed four children.

Charlie was a hardworking and devoted provider who took great pride in supporting his family. He began his career at the Iron King Mine in Prescott and later moved to Morenci, Arizona, where he continued working in the mining industry. The family eventually settled in San Pedro, California, where Charlie worked in the shipyard before ultimately returning to his hometown of Prescott. There, he began a dedicated career at Yavapai Community College, where he worked for more than 20 years. In 1995, he officially retired from Yavapai Community College.

Charlie was a man who left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him. With his mischievous sense of humor, playful inappropriateness, and natural gift for making people laugh, he had a way of turning ordinary moments into unforgettable ones.

Family meant everything to him. He was a cherished presence in their lives, always showing up with love, laughter, and stories to share. He treasured every moment spent with his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild, taking immense pride in each generation.

While Cuca was alive, she and Charlie shared a deep love for travel and adventure. They made countless special memories with their grandchildren, often packing up the motorhome and heading out for weekend camping trip together. After her passing, he continued to embrace that same adventurous spirit. Whether traveling to Mexico, Tennessee, Nevada, or California to visit family, he was always ready to hit the road.

He especially loved the outdoors and looked forward to loading up his fifth wheel for another weekend getaway. When he was home, you could usually find him relaxing in his recliner, enjoying a quiet catnap or watching a classic Audie Murphy movie. And if he wasn’t at home, he was likely driving around town, stopping by to visit a family member or a close friend.

One of Charlie’s greatest joys in life was food. He loved gathering around the table with his children and grandchildren to share a good meal or visiting one of his favorite restaurants. He was well known for his sweet tooth, never passing up a delicious sweet roll as he called them or indulging upon an occasional banana split.

And through every season of life, Charlie remained a devoted and diehard Dallas Cowboys fan.

Charlie’s laughter, love, and larger-than-life personality will be remembered and cherished always.

In addition to his parents, Charlie was preceded in death by the love of his life, his beloved wife, Ruth B. Reyes; five brothers, Delfino, Sylvester, Pete, Eddie, and Paul; one half-brother, Pedro; and five sisters, Natidida, Augustina, Sara, Tillie, and Paula.

He leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish his memory: his children, Jovita Garcia; Charlie and Lisa Reyes; Johnny and Teri Reyes; and Anna and Kevin Kett. He was a proud grandfather to Erin Mendibles, Nicole Gonzales, Noel Garcia, Adam Reyes, Jose Garcia, Amy Boehm, Noe Garcia, Makayla Reyes, Cody Reyes, and Jake Reyes-Kett; a devoted great-grandfather to 17 great-grandchildren; and a treasured great-great-grandfather to one great-great-grandchild.

He is also survived by his sisters, Patsy Regalado and Teresa Reyes, along with many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were touched by his love, laughter, and unforgettable spirit.