Ralph "Ralphie" Tafoya

September 3, 2013

Ralph J. "Ralphie" Tafoya, 35, of Rocky Ford, CO, passed away Tuesday, September 3rd, suddenly, at Parkview Medical Center, Pueblo. Ralph was born in Rocky Ford, CO on October 12, 1977, a son of Francisquita "Frances" Petra (Jaramillo) and John LeRoy Tafoya. He graduated from Rocky Ford High School in 1996, received his Associate Degree from Otero Junior College and his Bachelors from Adams State College. He was the husband of Vanessa Renee Tafoya. On 11/26/2011, they were married at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Rocky Ford, CO. He worked as a Intense Health Aide at Rocky Ford Jr./Sr. High School Rocky Ford, CO.,Ralph was also working as a Cashier, Grant Coordinator and Customer Service Manager at Wal-Mart for 14 years. He was delivering newspaper's for the Rocky Ford Daily Gazette. He was a member of St. Peters Catholic Church in Rocky Ford, CO. Ralph taught confirmation classes, volunteered for Church Bazar, was an alter server and chaperoned second year confirmation classes and took students to the Steubenville of the Rockies Conference and organized the confirmation retreats. He was a Vice-President of the Rocky Ford Chamber, Chairman for CDS Policy Council, Prom Sponsor of the Rocky Ford High School, Certifed as a Volleyball Official, Certified Teacher and was a Tiny Tot T-Ball Coach and Softball Coach. During high school he was a Police Cadet and was an active member of the D.A.R.T and Rocky Mountain Youth to Youth. He is survived by His parents; John and Frances of Rocky Ford; His wife; Vanessa of the home; Son Randy Ray Robinson, of Rocky Ford, CO; Daughter Madalyn Tafoya, of Rocky Ford, CO; Brother Joey, husband of Candy Tafoya, of La Junta, CO; Sister Jessica Tafoya, of Rocky Ford, CO; Sister Margaret Tafoya, of Rocky Ford, CO; Half Sister Nancy "Pepa" Tafoya, of Pueblo, CO; Grandma Grace Martinez of Rocky Ford, CO; In-laws, Ray & Theresa "Mom Ma T" Maestas of Rocky Ford, CO; Brother-in-law Matthew, husband of Melissa Maestas, of Republic, MO; He is also survived by Nieces: Makayla Maestas, Raelin Tafoya, Khloi Tafoya, Yasmine Lopez; Nephews: Joey Tafoya, Jr., Malaki Maestas, Emmy Lopez and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, special friend, Cooper. Ralph was preceded in death by his Grandma's, Ramona Bernal, Rosabelle Tafoya and Molly Maestas, Grandfather's, Mike Tafoya & Jose D. Martinez, Juan Bernal and Erminio Maestas, Great-Grandmother's, Maria Martinez, Juanita Jaramillo, Margarita Segura and Tommy Baca, Great-Grandfather, Andres Baca brother: John Gary Tafoya. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the St. Peters Catholic Church, Rocky Ford, CO, at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, September 11th, with Fr. Paul Ekeh officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday from 2-5 PM at Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. A Rosary Service will be recited at 7 PM Tuesday at St. Peters Catholic Church. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Rocky Ford, CO. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.