Ralph Joseph Gutierrez

Ralph J. Gutierrez, age 89, passed away at his home on Monday March 14, 2011. He was born October 24th, 1921, in Las Cruces, New Mexico to Jesus and Aurora Gutierrez. Ralph's father established the Valley Drug Store, which was located across the street from St. Genevieve's Church. After his father retired Ralph moved the drug store down the street to the corner of Main and Amador where My Brothers Place Restaurant now stands and established City Drug Store. In 1981 Ralph moved his pharmacy to Telshor and opened Medical Center Pharmacy where he retired and sold the Pharmacy in 1995. Ralph was active in the U. S Army Reserves where he retired in the 60's. He achieved the rank of Major. He was a devoted Member of The Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary. He met his wife Jean Breakiron while they were both in the Army and were married in 1946. Ralph humbly received several awards throughout his life including the University of New Mexico, Distinguish Alumni Award College of Pharmacy in 1986 and New Mexico Pharmaceutical Association Bowl of Hygeia Award in 1983. Ralph was also named to the Democratic Party of New Mexico 2nd Congressional District Hall of Fame in 1990. Nationally both A.H. Robbins and Merck, Sharp, & Dohme have honored Ralph with Outstanding Achievements in Pharmacy Awards. Ralph served on The Board of Directors at Memorial Medical Center and The Bank of the Rio Grande, as well as the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy. Ralph's success in life was not because he gave, he was a giving, unselfish man and that made him successful. Ralph is survived by his brother Edward Gutierrez (Mary Sue), sons Tom Gutierrez (Rebecca Vigil), John Gutierrez, and Jamie Gutierrez (Renee), his daughters Jeana Gutierrez (Jim Laws) and Joni Gutierrez (Lowell Catlett), grandchildren, Michelle Gutierrez (Mark Lawrence), Sarah Schwarz (Greg), Jenifer Fernandez, Patrick Gutierrez, Tai Hart (Patrick) and Nicole Reeves. Nieces, Madelyn Gutierrez, Janet Wolfe and Laura Gutierrez Spencer and nephew Mark Gutierrez. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Gutierrez in 2002, his sons Jeffrie Gutierrez in 1953 and Steve Gutierrez in 1993 and his sister Maria Spencer in 1992. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm, Friday March 18, 2011 at The Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 S. Espina in Las Cruces. A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, March 19, 2011 at The Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 S. Espina in Las Cruces. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to The Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary BUILDING FUND, 1240 S. Espina, Las Cruces, NM 88001 (which Ralph was passionate about) or to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 Montana Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88005, (who helped Ralph so very much). PDF Printable Version