Francisco (Poncho) Marquez, Sr., 67, of Rocky Ford, CO, passed away Sunday, April 19th, suddenly, at Arkansas Valley Regional Medical Center, La Junta.

Francisco was born in Chihuahua, Mexico on September 25, 1952, a son of Ignacia (Gonzalez) Marquez, of Rocky Ford, CO and the late Pedro Marquez.

He attended the St. Peters Catholic Church in Rocky Ford, CO.

Poncho enjoyed fishing, eating at the Golden Corral, working and gardening, watching Animal Planet and working on his truck (which was always needing worked on). But he loved his daily visits to his sister's for their coffee and especially spending time with his grandkids. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family.

He is survived by his mother Ignacia (Gonzalez) Marquez, of Rocky Ford, CO; Son Randy (Amanda) Rodriguez, of Rocky Ford, CO; Daughter Melissa (Julio) Ramirez, of Indianapolis, IN; Son Frankie (Bobbie Jo) Marquez, Jr., of Rocky Ford, CO; Son Rueben (Briana Apodaca) Sanchez, of Rocky Ford, CO; Son Emanuel (Shannon Montoya) Marquez, of Rocky Ford, CO; Son Joseph (Rayven Sanchez) Marquez, of Rocky Ford, CO; Sister Victoria (Rafael Chumacero) Marquez, of Chihuahua, Mexico; Brother Valente (Maria Gonzalez) Marquez, of Chihuahua, Mexico; Sister Blanca (Simon Gonzalez) Marquez, of Ordway, CO; Brother Pedro Marquez, of Greeley, CO; Brother Jesus (Maria Hidrigo) Marquez, of Oklahoma City, OK; Sister Ignacia Marquez, of Rocky Ford, CO; Brother Ramon Marquez, of Los Lunas, NM.

He is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Chantae Rodriguez, Nevaeh Rodriguez, Kendra Rodriguez, Isaiah Casillas, Sarae Chavez, Sierra Chavez, Joseph Jr. Marquez, Damian Marquez, Jayla Marquez, Elianna Sanchez, Laylah Sanchez, Mia Sanchez, Jada Hernandez, Anehemiah Montoya Marquez.

Francisco was preceded in death by his father; brother: Edwardo Marquez;

A Rosary Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Friday, April 24th with funeral services to follow at 11:00 AM on Friday, April 24th at Ford - Ustick Funeral Home in Rocky Ford, CO with Craig Ortega officiating.

Due to the COVID - 19 Virus the following rule will be enforced by the cemetery staff: Friends will be allowed to attend the graveside service but those attending may not exit your vehicle. The family and the funeral home thank you for your understanding in this difficult time. Interment will be at Hillcrest Cemetery in Rocky Ford, CO.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford - Ustick Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.