Jose Ramirez

Jose Ramirez, 83, passed away peacefully on February 22, 2024 with his eldest son/family by his side. He was born on March 19, 1940 in the small town of El Atascadero, Durango, Mexico to Juan and Maria del Refugio Ramirez and was the eldest son out of twelve siblings.

Jose Ramirez was a devoted husband to Tomasa Olaguez de Ramirez for 60 years and a loving father to 3 children: Jose Jr, Rene and Annabelle. He was also a proud grandfather to nine grandchildren: Joey, Alexa, Camila, Eliana, Lucia, Anahi, Gianluca and Eros, with a new grandchild due this fall.

In 1958, Jose Ramirez on the spur of the moment jumped onto the back of a truck announcing the promise of farm labor work through the United States Bracero Program. His first contract would take him over 1,500 miles away to a small farm in Riverton, WY. He would spend the next three years working various contracts before returning to visit his family, where he would meet his future bride, Tomasa Olaguez. From the moment they caught each other’s smile, they knew that they were meant to be. Jose would settle in Muleshoe, TX in preparation to marry the young lady he fell in love with. On January 10, 1964, Jose and Tomasa would marry and begin a new life in the United States, eventually making their way to California’s Central Valley.

In the seventies, Jose and Tomasa would settle in Ceres, CA to raise their family of three. The tremendous joy of having his own family crystallized his intent on becoming a great father and providing a chance for a better life to his children through education. As a grandfather, Jose reveled in sharing precious moments with his grandchildren, taking them to see the dairy cows and ride in the tractors across the corn fields.

In 1972, Jose Ramirez would join the PureGro Company eventually becoming a field supervisor. Jose’s dedication and hard work earned him the respect and admiration from his colleagues and clients throughout the Central Valley. Those who worked closely with Jose became well aware of his passion for delivering unparalleled service and support to grow strong and healthy crops each growing season. He would take his ag experience home tending to his roses, fruit trees and vegetable garden so that he could share each season’s bounty with his children. Jose retired from Nutrien Ag Solutions in 2020 after 55 years of dedicated service.

Those close to Jose Ramirez describe him as honest, wise and generous. His children are all incredibly proud and privileged to have been blessed with such an excellent father. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him. His generosity, kindness, and sense of humor will be remembered and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Descansa en paz, papá. Siempre estarás en nuestros corazones.

A visitation for Jose will be held Thursday, March 7, 2024 at 4:00 PM at Lakewood Funeral Home, 900 Santa Fe Avenue, Hughson, California with a rosary service at 6:00 PM. A funeral mass will occur Friday, March 8, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Saint Anthony's Catholic Church, 7820 Fox Rd, Hughson, California. A committal service will occur Friday, March 8, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Ave, Hughson, CA 95326 with a reception to follow.