Richard Ramirez

Surrounded by a loving family, Richard J. Ramirez, at the age of 77, went on one final journey 9 April 2017. His fierce battle these past two years allowed him to steal precious extra moments with his family.

Richard’s life journey began 30 September 1939 in Valley Junction, Iowa. Born to Martin and Irene Ramirez, he was the youngest of four children. He will be greatly missed by his older brother Gene Ramirez of Des Moines and his sister, Mary Delores Van Horne of Urbandale. A proud graduate of Valley High School, class of 1958, Richard treasured time with classmates, amazing truly lifelong friends.

A Vietnam veteran, CW3 Ramirez, retired, and served his country with honor and pride. His career created amazing opportunities for his family to travel across the United States and overseas in Germany and Panama. Upon retiring from the U.S. Army, Mr. Ramirez worked briefly for Sperry/Unisys before becoming a civil servant at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona.

Richard is best known for his tenacious love of family. His 4 great-grandkids, Thomas, Timothy, Natalie, and Aiden, 4 grandkids, Jessyca (Jerod) Osborn of Wichita, Kansas, Karley Wade of West Des Moines, Jacob (Margaret Rollings) Randolph of Frederick, Colorado, and Adam Ramirez of Valley Junction were precious bonuses given him.

He loved being around family and will be missed and cherished by his children, Theresa and Tim Randolph of Frederick, Colorado; Michelle Wade of West Des Moines; Marty and Laura Ramirez of West Linn, Oregon, Richard J. Ramirez Jr of Stevenson Ranch, California, and Micheal and Stacey Ramirez of Valley Junction.

His wife, Carol, though, was the love of his life. Together for 61 years, when talking to the couple you get two different stories about their early courtship. Who exactly “caught” whom is a treasured story with twists and changes depending upon who is telling the tale. Their 56 year marriage was never dull as Richard took Carol to the moon and back in the form of frequent moves. His only request to his children was to honor and cherish their mom after he was gone. His request will be lovingly granted.

A great celebration will occur in Heaven as Richard goes to meet up with his parents, Martin and Irene; brother, Edward; and Jerry Van Horne, Delores and Mary Ramirez.

Visitation will be Wednesday, April 12 from 3 to 5 p.m. and the service at 5:00 p.m. at St. Augustin Catholic Church in Des Moines. Family will greet friends in the parish hall following mass.

Contributions can be made to the family for the purchase of a Veteran’s Memorial piece to be placed at Iowa Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa.

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