- Date Of Birth: October 24, 1939
- Date Of Death: January 22, 2021
- State: New Mexico
Reflections of My Daddy-
Ralph Martin Gonzales
Ralph was born on October 24, 1939 to Soledad and Paul Gonzales in Santo Thomas Ranch (now known as Stahmann Ranch) near Las Cruces, New Mexico. Dad went to be with his Lord and savior on Friday, January 22, 2021. Ralph was the 7th of 9 siblings. Ralph was preceded in death by his father and mother and several siblings: Carmen Hernandez; Ruth Ales; Tony, Paul, and Gilbert Gonzales; and his beloved grandson Sebastian Roybal. He leaves behind 3 siblings: Sally Fuentez, Jesse Gonzales, and Ophelia Bryan. Ralph married Lydia Garza in 1959 in Hobbs, N.M. Together, they became the proud parents of two children: Debbie Gonzales-Roybal and Martin Gonzales, both of Denton, Texas. On May 1, 1987, Ralph married Janie Huerta; their families united including his treasured spaniel Maggie. With this unity Ralph gained 3 stepsons and their families. Ralph and Janie spent 34 years together. Their cherished time included sitting together each evening reading their bible and praying for family and friends. Ralph’s beautiful daughter, Debbie, gave him 4 beloved grandchildren: Sebastian (deceased), Dominic, Stefon and Nadia. They called him “Grandpa”.
As a young man, he joined the National Guard. Ralph was known as a charming, personable, generous, loving, God-loving hardworking man. As a young man he used his talents as a salesman for Rainbow Rexaire Vacuums. At the same time, he served as a firefighter and eventually a paramedic for the City of Hobbs. Ralph enjoyed this work and he loved helping people. His children remember that he served as Santa at the City of Hobbs Christmas celebrations. Ralph served the City for 19 years before opening his own Rainbow Rexaire Vacuums business. Today, many people still have these machines in their homes! Ralph always wanted to live in California again, he lived there as a teen. He moved to California in the early 80s where his son, Martin and several siblings lived. Eventually he returned to Hobbs and began his career at Hobbs Municipal Schools. Ralph retired from that position in 2006. He positively influenced many youngsters while employed at Highland Jr. High.
Throughout his life, he focused on nutrition, exercise, health, church, and family. He was an avid racquetball player, a black belt in Karate, and a runner. He loved being outdoors, being in the mountains, and on the beach. He ensured his children and family enjoyed getaways and vacations to the mountains, beaches, and California. Being from Las Cruces, Ralph loved Green Chile and each year he and Janie would roast chile and enjoy Chile Rellenos and Huevos Rancheros. Ralph was an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He attended Zion Full Gospel church in Hobbs. He was a God-loving man who made everyone feel loved, important, and special, and made sure you knew it. His children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, friends, and siblings will miss his smile, memorable laugh, and conversations.
To honor their beloved Dad, Ralph’s children have created a scholarship, the “Ralph Martin Gonzales” College Scholarship, to be awarded to a future Hobbs High School graduate.
