Ralph Lopez

RALPH KENNETH LOPEZ, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, September 20, 2016 following a lengthy illness with his family surrounding him. Ralph was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Lopez; paternal grandfather, Abedon Lopez Sr., paternal grandmother, Manuelita Quintana, maternal grandfather, Juan S. Martinez, maternal grandmother, Genoveva Martinez; uncle, Phil Martinez, Tony Lopez, and Michael Lopez, aunt, Marie Pita Montoya; mother and father-in-law, Sarah and Hipolito Gallegos. Ralph was born on August 5, 1960 in Santa Cruz to Abedon Lopez Jr. and Lupe Martinez. He graduated from Espanola Valley High School in 1978 and later attended Northern New Mexico Community College in Espanola. Ralph worked at the Los Alamos National Laboratory for 10 years as a Mechanical Draftsman. He then went on to work at Rio Arriba County for several years, first as a Code Enforcer and then as a Map Review Supervisor. Ralph was a jack of all trades kind of guy, he was a plumber, carpenter and mechanic. His carpenter work was beautiful pieces and carving. As a mechanic he enjoyed restoring classic vehicles. Ralph was a proud member of the Espanola Corvette Club and loved going to car shows. He most of all enjoyed his 1978 Trans Am. Ralph loved life and spending time outdoors, he loved camping, fishing and especially spending time with his family. He left us all too soon and will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him. Ralph is survived by his wife, Mary R. Lopez; daughter, Shannon L. Lopez; grandson, Andres R. Lopez; father, Abedon Lopez Jr, mother, Lupe Martinez; step-mother, Lorraine Lopez; brother, Donald L. Lopez, sisters, Debbie D. Lopez, Charlene Arias; nieces, Francine L. Lopez, Danielle J. Ortiz, nephew, Juanito M. Lopez. A rosary will be recited on Saturday, September 24, 2016 at 9:00 a.m. at La Iglesia de Santa Cruz de la Canada, with a Mass of Christian burial to follow at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery. Serving the family as pallbearers, Donald Lopez, Kenny Salazar, Larry Quintana, Reuben Gallegos, Marvin Maestas, Julian Quintana, and Matthew Le Deux. The family of Ralph Kenneth Lopez has entrusted the care of their loved one to the DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the Espanola Valley. 505-747-7477-www.devargasfuneral.com

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