Ramon Ramirez

Ramon Ramirez Magallanes was born in Guerrero, Chihuahua on August 3rd 1938.

He is the third of 6 children born to Ramon Ramirez and Guadalupe Magallanes: Modesto, Elvira, Manuel, Belia, Queta, and Eduardo.

He was always the adventurous child, causing his parents to worry since he could never seem to stay in one place, always looking for something better. Restless, the life of the party, and a dreamer.

At 21 years old he came to the United States for the first time as part of the “Bracero” program which allowed field workers to work in the US legally. This program ended in 1964. Some workers stayed in the US illegally and others returned to their home countries. At 25 years old, after being denied the hand of the young lady he loved, they decided that no matter what, they were going to be together anyways and  start a family. This is the start of the great love story of Ramon Ramirez and Ignacia Cordova.

In an interview done with him a couple of years ago he said that these were the best years of his life because even though it was a lot of work to be together, when they were happy they were the happiest people in the world.

Although their happiness did not last forever, they always loved each other, together or apart. Their love for each other was always in their hearts.

Mon, like his mother called him, was one of the spoiled kids, because he was always far away. Soon Manuel joined the adventures of Ramon. Since they were alone and so far from home, they grew closer and became more than brothers, they were best friends. They were partners in crime with millions of stories. They were so close that since the day Manuel died, Ramon’s health was never the same.

Ramon decided that although he loved the ranch, there were not enough opportunities there, and he did not settle for less. He wanted more for his family. He had already established himself in Los Angeles, CA when in 1976 he brought his kids and his wife. They started their new life in a new country they would soon call home.

Ramon had many kids: Elizabeth, Ramiro, Pammy, Ramon III, Cesar and Aracely. In his second marriage with Yolanda Itturalde he had Crystal, Xavier, Clarissa, and Emily. He was the proud grandfather of many grandchildren: Yesenia, Alexis, Monica, Alejandra, Joshua, Julieanna, Justin, Jacob, Carlos, Karina, Paloma, Kristina, Ramon IV, Elenita, Khloe, Ryan, Roman, Kamila, Brandon, Cesar Jr., Riley, Christian, Isaac, Xavier Jr., Victor, David, Yohary, and Martita. He had 6 great-granddaughters: Raquel, Alicia, Jasmine, Mariah, Jane, Valentina, and Jane’s new sibling on the way.

The life our father lived was not a secret to anyone. He did not hide who he was. He did not care what other people thought of him, he lived his life like it was going to be his last day. He lived his way.

He was the hardest working man. It did not matter if he had spent the weekend drinking, if he spent the night somewhere other than home, we knew that on Monday, we could find him at work. He showed us what it was like to be responsible at work, to never say “I don’t know how to do that”, or that any job was too insignificant. He never stopped looking for new opportunities to build a business. He was the owner of a restaurant, limousines, jumper rentals, and a second-hand store. He sold jewelry, clothes, had apartment rentals. If he saw an opportunity, he was there.

At almost 81 years old he continued to be independent. He kept his driver’s license, he drove himself to his dialysis appointments, he cooked for himself when he had to, he washed his clothes, and rarely asked for help.

His life took him to many places, he came and went many times, but always ended up where his kids were, where he felt safe and most of all loved. He made mistakes, probably more than most, but he must have done something right because his kids loved him unconditionally and there was nothing we wouldn’t do for him.

He had a different relationship with each of his kids. With some he joked around, with others he was able to have serious talks, with one he sang, and with another he cried. Good thing he had plenty of kids!

He never knew strangers, he talked to everyone. He was friendly, a big flirt, and always a social butterfly. He loved being the center of attention and participating in everything.

He asked that this celebration be just like this, a celebration. A good time with good music, he always reminded us that he wanted us to celebrate his life with music.

Thank you for all the lessons Papi. For the good experiences and the not so good experiences, we have learned from all of them.

We are going to miss your happiness and love for life, even during your times of pain.

We are going to miss how much you enjoyed our family events and reunions, your happiness in seeing all of your grandkids and kids together. The pride you had in them was immeasurable. We know you are in peace and resting alongside your parents and loved ones. Be assured that this tribe you created will love you and remember you forever and ever.


Ramon Ramirez Magallanes Nacio en Guerrero Chihuahua el 3 de Agosto de 1938. Es el tercero de 6 hijos de Ramon Ramirez y Guadalupe Magallanes. Modesto, Elvira, Manuel, Belia, Queta y Eduardo.

El fue el hijo aventurero, por el que sus padres se preocupaban mas por ser el que no se quedaba en un solo lugar, siempre estaba en busca de algo mejor.  Inquieto, parrandero y sonador.

A los 21 anos se vino a Estados Unidos por primera vez como parte del programa de "Los Braceros" trabajadores del campo que venian a trabajar a EU legalmente por temporadas. Este programa termino en 1964. Algunos se quedaron como ilegales y otros regresaron a su pais. A los 25 anos de edad, despues de que le negaran la mano de la senorita que amaba, decidieron de todas maneras unir sus vidas y empezar una familia juntos. Asi empezo la historia de amor de Ramon Ramirez e Ignacia Cordova.

En la entrevista que le hice hace unos anos, me dijo que esos fueron los anos mas felices de su vida porque les costo mucho trabajo estar juntos, dijo que cuando fueron felices fueron los mas felices del mundo.

Aunque su felicidad no duro para siempre, ellos siempre se amaron, juntos o separados pero el amor de uno por el otro permanecio en sus corazones.

Ramon  tuvo varios hijos, Elizabeth, Ramiro, Pammy, Ramon III, Cesar y  Aracely. En su segundo matrimonio con Yolanda Iturralde tuvo a Crystal, Xavier, Clarissa y Emily. Es el feliz abuelo de muchos nietos, Yesenia, Alexis, Monica, Esmeralda, Alejandra, Carlos,Karina, Paloma, Joshua, Julieanna, Justin, Jacob, Brandon, Cesar Jr. Riley, Christian, Isaac, Kristina, Ramon the 4th, Khloe, Elenita, Ryan, Roman, Kamila, Xavier Jr. Victor,  David, Yohary y Martita. 6 bisnietas, Raquel, Alicia, Jasmine, Mariah, Jane, Valentina y el hermanito de Jane que viene en camino.

Mon, como le decia su mama era de los hijos consentidos, por estar siempre lejos. Pronto Manuel se unio a las aventuras de Ramon. El estar solos y tal lejos de casa, los unio, y se convirtieron en mejores amigos y complices de miles de historias, tanto que desde el dia que Manuel fallecio, la salud de Ramon, nunca volvio a ser la misma.

Ramon decidio que aunque amaba el rancho, ahi no habia oportunidades y el no se conformaba, queria mejores oportunidades para el y su familia.  El se habia establecido en Los Angeles California anos atras, en 1976 sus hijos y esposa se le unieron y empezaron una nueva vida en este pais que se convirtio en nuestro hogar.

La vida que vivo nuestro padre no es un secreto para nadie, el no escondia lo que era. tampoco le importo lo que la gente pensara de el, el vivia su vida como si fuera el ultimo, y lo vivia a su manera.

Era la persona mas trabajadora, no importaba si habia tomado todo el fin de semana, si no venia a la casa a dormir, sabiamos que el lunes estaria en su trabajo sin falta.

Nos enseno a ser responsables en nuestro trabajo y a nunca decir "no se como hacer eso" y que ningun trabajo es muy poco para nosotros.  Nunca dejo de buscar nuevas oportunidades para hacer negocio.  Fue dueno de restaurante, limosinas, jumpers, tienda de segunda, vendio joyeria y ropa, tenia departamentos de renta, donde veia oportunidad el estaba ahi.

A sus casi 81 anos seguia siendo muy independiente, mantuvo su licencia de manejar asta el final, se transladaba a sus tratamietnos de Dialisis, se cocinaba el solito si tenia que, se lavaba su ropa y muy pocas veces tuvo que pedir ayuda para algo.

La vida lo llevo por muchos lugares, fue y vino muchas veces, pero siempre regreso a donde estaban sus hijos, donde el se sentia seguro y amado. Como todos, cometio muchos errores, tal vez mas que otros, pero algo hizo bien porque sus hijos lo amaron incondicionalmente y no habia nada que no hicieramos por el.

El tenia una relacion deferente con cada uno de sus hijos, con uno bromeaba mas, con otro hablaba de cosas mas serias, con otro cantaba y con otro lloraba, lo bueno que tiene suficientes hijos!

El no conocia extranos, con todo mundo conversaba, era amigable, coqueto y sociable. Le gustaba ser el centro de atencion y participar en todo.

Esta celebracion el la pidio asi, alegre y con musica, desde siempre nos recordaba que, queria mucha musica.

Gracias por las ensenansas papi, por las experiencias buenas y no tan buenas, de todas aprendimos.

Vamos a extranar su alegria de vivir aunque tenia tanto dolor, vamos a extranar como disfrutaba las reuniones familiares, su alegria al ver a sus nietos e hijos juntos y lo orgulloso que estaba de ellos. Sabemos que ya descanza a lado de sus padres y seres queridos. Tenga por seguro que esta tribu que usted creo, lo amara y recordara por siempre.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401