Ray Vasquez Torres

Ray Vasquez Torres, of Las Cruces, NM, age 95, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, went to his final resting place with the Lord. He was born on October 17, 1927, in Chamberino, NM to Fermin S. Torres and Donaciana Vasquez Torres. He married the love of his life, Anna Apodaca, on February 19, 1949, at the original St. Genevieve’s Catholic Church located on Main St. They spent 62 years happily married to each other.

He is survived by his children, Ray Torres (Sally) and Linda Tirre (Johnny). His siblings include: Raquel “Kelly” Torres, Ruben Torres (Cheri), Roy Torres (Mercy-deceased), Ricardo Torres (Rosemary), Rommie Torres (Anita), and Fermin Torres Jr. His grandchildren are Michael Ray Torres, Yvonne Rae Holguin (John), Orlando Tirre (Bernadette), Salina Tirre and Nick Tirre. His great-grandchildren are: Lovaey Torres, Athena Tirre, and Nathaniel Tirre. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Ray was preceded in death by his wife, Anna A. Torres, son, Ronald “Ronnie” Torres, parents Fermin and Donaciana Torres, brother Ramiro “Chino” Torres and sister Rebecca “Becky” Mesa (Frank).

Ray attended Grandview Elementary School, Central Elementary School, Court Junior High School, and Las Cruces Union High School. He enlisted in the service and was thrilled at the announcement that as a veteran, he would be eligible to receive his High School Diploma from Las Cruces Public Schools, along with the Onate High School graduating class of 2005.

His 22 years in the military included enlisting in the United States Army Air Force, then also serving in the New Mexico National Guard.

He was employed at White Sands Missile Range as a welder for 35 years, while receiving many awards, recognitions, and commendations.

He enjoyed fishing, rock hunting, gardening and loved watching all sports (Tiger Woods being his favorite golfer), cowboy movies, Judge Judy, and listening to the music station of the Big Band era on television. Our dad was a mathematics expert, using his brain to calculate numbers and figures- while encouraging us to do the same.

Visitation will be conducted on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. with the recitation of the Holy Rosary to begin at 6:30 p.m., at Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001.

The Holy Mass is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Genevieve’s Roman Catholic Church, 100 S. Espina, Las Cruces, NM 88001. Interment will follow immediately after the mass at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 5140 W, Picacho Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88007. Members of the family and friends will serve as pall bearers.

We would like to express our sincere appreciation for our dad’s care, while at La Posada Assisted Living and Hospice facility.

Services have been entrusted to the care of Getz Funeral Home, 1410 E. Bowman Ave. Las Cruces NM 88001. Please visit www.getzcares.com to sign the local online guest book.