Ramiro Garza, lovingly remembered as "La Llama Roja" of the Lucha Libre, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025, at the age of 88, at Sunshine Haven in Olmito, Texas. Born on January 1, 1937, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, Ramiro made his home in Brownsville since 1972. Though celebrated as a fierce "Rudo" in the wrestling rings across Mexico, Ramiro was known in life as a man of generosity, care, and unyielding devotion to his family.
Ramiro retired from the Cameron County Maintenance Department after a lifetime of dedicated service. In his retirement, he was a familiar face at charity run/walk events, including the SPI Causeway Run/Walk, where his perseverance inspired many. Often seen running alongside his grandchildren, Ramiro proudly earned first-place honors in his age division.
An ardent sports enthusiast, Ramiro loved soccer and baseball, cheering passionately for the Houston Astros and La Seleccion Nacional de Mexico. His own athleticism shone as he played for baseball and softball leagues in Matamoros and later coached and volunteered for community leagues in Brownsville.
At home, Ramiro was the heart of family gatherings, often serving his legendary pollito asado—a culinary masterpiece that will be dearly missed. He nurtured a flourishing yard filled with fruit trees, which he and his beloved wife of 60 years, Rosy, carefully cultivated. His pride in their garden mirrored the love and dedication he brought to every facet of his life.
Ramiro is survived by his three children: Humberto (Mary Jane) Garza, Ramiro Jr. (Yolanda) Garza, and Nancy (Rene) Ruiz; 17 grandchildren: Jesus Enrique Garza, Ivana Cavazos, Jose Manuel Cavazos, Raul Garza, Ivy Provost, Denice Ramuski, Carmen Nicole Garza, Amy Lynn Garza, Isabella Garza, Gabriella Garza, Rene R. Ruiz II, Melissa Ann Doniaz, Ryan Richard Ruiz, Nathaniel Royz Ruiz, Alessandra Garza, Aisha Garza, and Amanda Garza; 17 great-grandchildren: Halo, Lucifer, Jesus Jr., Daniel, Alenna, Mary Jane, Genesis, Mila, Noah, Annita, Abram, Olivia, Rene III, Rodrigo, Julian, Jair, and Julieta; and his brother, Florencio Garza, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Rosy Garza, who shared his life for over six decades; his parents, Gudelio Garza and Juana Garcia; his son, Gabriel Garza; his grandson, Humberto Garza Jr.; and three siblings, Moises, Hortencia, and Raul.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a rosary at 7:30 PM, at Funeraria Del Angel Rose Lawn & Rose Lawn Memorial Gardens. Services will conclude after the rosary.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sunshine Haven Inc. at sunshinehaveninc.org in honor of Ramiro Garza, as he spent his last days in their peaceful and loving care, surrounded by his family.
Ramiro leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and joy. His impact on his family, friends, and community will endure for generations. Rest in peace, Ramiro. You will always be remembered as a true champion—both in and out of the ring.
