Michael Anthony Rubio

Michael Anthony Rubio 1972-2026

Michael Anthony Rubio (age 53) beloved son, father, and brother of Exeter, California passed away on January 8, 2026, at his home in Exeter, California. Michael was born in Salem, Oregon and he was the son of Rafael and Irene Rubio of Woodlake, California. 

Michael grew up in LemonCove, California, and attended Sequoia Union School. He excelled at sports such as football, wrestling, and baseball. He carried his love of athletics into his high school years where he attended Exeter Union High School. 

Michael worked at the Whistle Stop Café as a cook for many years. He was also our cook at many family gatherings, never minding to BBQ, and always bringing fun decorative fruit salads.

Michael had many hobbies such as carpentry, often building picnic tables, beds, and planters. He enjoyed gardening and often gifted miniature roses to his mother and sister. He grew vegetables such as squash, jalapenos, and tomatoes.Michael also had a passion for thrifting where he enjoyed perusing the racks at the Pink Ladies Thrift Store in Exeter where they knew him by name. He often found things that reminded him of his loved ones and was always gifting those things to his family. 

Michael is survived by his loving daughter and namesake Mikayla Irene Rubio (age 21) also of Exeter. He loved his daughter very much and always encouraged her to do her very best. Michael and Mikayla enjoyed spending time together. He often cooked for her, especially for their Wednesday night dinners.  They both tried very hard to make time for each other whether he was cooking for her or they were playing games of fierce competitive Scrabble or watching movies together. Michael was proud of his daughter and loved her very much.

Michael is survived by his father and mother Rafael and Irene Rubio, his sister Graciela Van Fossen, his nephew and godson Adam Michael Espindula, and his nieces Emma Cleo Espindula, Olivia Erin Van Fossen, and Zoey Faith Van Fossen. 

A graveside service will be held at Exeter Cemetery on January 22, 2026, at 10:00 am.  

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