Ray Maestas Obituary

Description: Ray Maestas Obituary... Our Heartfelt Condolences To His Loved Ones...

Ray Maestas

Feb 6th, 1955 – April 11th, 2024

Obituary

Ray Maestas passed away on April 11, 2024, at the age of 69. Ray was born in Las Vegas, NM on February 6, 1955, to Erminio Maestas and Mollie (Torrez) Maestas.

He was one of six siblings. He graduated in Rocky Ford in the Class of 1974.

Ray married his childhood best friend, Theresa Martinez, on December 6, 1975, in Rocky Ford at St Peter’s Catholic Church. He and Theresa were the parents of two children: Vanessa and Matthew.

While in school, at the age of 13, Ray began working at the place he was best known for: the Rocky Ford Daily Gazette. He began as a paper carrier to deliver newspapers to the variety of different stores in the valley, retiring at the ripe age of 64. He also worked at Safeway, beginning his career at the Rocky Ford store at the age of 18, finishing that career just shy of 50 years. During this time, he had many friendships that lasted a lifetime. He worked hand in hand with best friends Mark Johnston, who he started with in Rocky Ford and ended in La Junta with Joe Romero.

Ray took pride in attending the activities of his grandchildren, especially traveling in Colorado and Kansas with his granddaughter, Madalyn, to watch her swim and play softball. If you couldn’t find Ray, you could bet that he and his grandson Randy Ray were in front of the TV watching The Price Is Right, Family Feud, or whatever western movie was on. Ray enjoyed his family vacations, including the trip to the cabin, Christmas parties, and the most memorable family holiday cruise to Mexico where he caught a marlin as big as he was. The trip also included Ray’s first and only trip to Disneyland with all his grandchildren, where he rode many rides with a big smile and love in his eyes for his family.
He was a member of St Peter’s Catholic Church in Rocky Ford. He will be missed by his “coffee gang” at the Loaf ‘n’ Jug where many stories were exchanged. His friends at First National Bank in Rocky Ford will miss his bright, shining face every week.

Ray is survived by his daughter Vanessa Tafoya of Rocky Ford, his son Chaplain Matthew (Melissa) Maestas of Chula Vista, CA, his grandchildren: Randy Ray Robinson of Rocky Ford, Makayla Maestas of Chula Vista, CA, Madalyn Tafoya of Rocky Ford, and Malaki Maestas and Mavrik Maestas of Chula Vista, as well as his grand dogs George and Lola Cabana whom he called his kids. He also leaves behind his siblings: Delavina Ramirez of La Junta, William Maestas of Rocky Ford, and MaryLou (Sam) Ramirez of La Junta; mother-in-law: Grace Martinez of Rocky Ford, brothers-in-law: Jose (Annette) Martinez of Denver, Alfonso (Christy) Martinez of Castle Pines, and Patrick Martinez of Littleton, goddaughters: Martha (Bert) Ontiveros of Brighton, Bernadett (Michael) Becerra-Salazar of Rocky Ford and godson Joey (Candy) Tafoya of Ordway, as well as special friends: Mark Johnston, Joe Romero, Cornelia Jaramillo, Sherri (Aaron) Adame, and Alex Baca.

He was preceded in death by his parents Erminio and Mollie Maestas, his wife Theresa, his siblings: Erminio “Gilbert” Maestas Jr and Bernice Maestas, his father-in-law Jose Martinez, son-in-law Ralph Tafoya, and his nephew Nathan Ramirez.

Visitation Held on Monday, April 22nd, 2024 5:00pm - 7:00pm at Bellwood Ustick Funeral Home.

Bellwood Ford Ustick Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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