Ramiro Ray Flores

Ramiro “Uncle Ray” Flores, 70, our hero, mentor, husband, father, brother and uncle went to his Heavenly Father on July 23, 2024, surrounded by his family and friends. In 1959, when a young Ray moved to the United States, it was almost immediately clear that he had a profound sense of justice and that he would make his career in law enforcement. His sisters tell stories of Ray’s ears perking up when he heard sirens. He had to know what was happening and wanted to be involved and he wanted to help those who could not help themselves. His near photographic memory made him a legend in law enforcement, earning the NM Lawman “Officer of the Year” award in 1981. Ray’s family recounts the number of people who have said “If I ever go missing, make sure Ray comes looking for me. I know he will find me.” When Ray was not busy solving crimes, he was busy being a cowboy. A skilled horseman and animal wrangler, he enjoyed participating in rough stock and timed rodeo events. Family mattered more to Ray than anything else. After his parents, Jose and Guadalupe, passed in 1988, he created the famed “Mother’s Day Roping” event, which was the glue that held the Flores family together during their grief. Ask any member of his family (and most of his friends) - they will recount the stories of the roping event and how everyone – even those who did not dare to get near a horse – had a role in the roping. It was his gift to the family and reflected his steadfast determination to keep his family together. Whether someone knew him for one day or one decade, he was “Uncle Ray” or “UR” to everyone. He cherished this designation so much that he chose his brand, the “Bar UR” after his moniker. In his last days, his thoughts were not about his suffering or fear of death, they were of making sure that his family promised to carry out his most fervent wish –to continue to celebrate, love and support one another. Uncle Ray is survived by his cherished wife Lori, his children Teresa, Ramiro, Guadalupe, his stepchildren Zachary and Elizabeth, and his siblings Tomas, Ruth, and MaryAnn. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends. Upon his arrival in heaven, he was greeted by his best friend and brother Martin, and there is no doubt that the two of them immediately set off of the nearest roping arena. In addition to Martin and his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his brothers Jose, Abel, Juan Antonio (Froggie), and his sister Martha. Rosary and prayer service will be held at the Rivera Chapel in Santa Fe on August 9, 2024 beginning at 1:00pm. A celebration of life will follow at the Nancy Rodriguez Community Center in Santa Fe.