Ramiro Puentes

It is with both deep sadness and heart-felt joy that we announce the passing of Ramiro Puentes on January 26, 2022. He was born on April 21, 1924, in Mexico and died peacefully of natural causes in Houston, Texas, surrounded by family just a few months before his 98th birthday.

As we say our sad farewells to Ramiro, our hearts are filled with love and wonderful, warm memories. He was a devoted husband, a loving father, a doting grandfather and uncle, and a cherished friend. Our hearts are broken, yet we also rejoice with Ramiro as he joins his beloved wife in the arms of Jesus—free of pain, released from sorrow, singing praises to the King.

Ramiro Puentes was a uniquely remarkable man. He started his career working on a small ranch in Mexico where he met the love of his life, Amelia (“The most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen!” he loved to tell anyone who would listen!). Together Ramiro and Amelia raised a family of 7 children.

In 1968, he moved the family to Houston, Texas, in order to provide a better life, higher education, and more opportunity for his children and extended family. He worked as a machinist until his retirement in 1983. But, Ramiro never really retired from working. It was his character and heart of service that compelled him to spend his remaining years helping family, friends, and neighbors however he could.

Friends and family will long remember Ramiro’s gift of storytelling and his excitement to share the life lessons learned. He was particularly fond of retelling the story of how he met and married his dear wife, Amelia - especially the part where she chose a fancy dress over a wedding photographer!

Their 3-day wedding feast and joyful celebration was just the start of a 69-year long journey of love, devotion, faithfulness, family, and godly leadership for Ramiro and Amelia. No doubt many, many family and friends will have a Papa Ramiro story that they will recall and share with a smile in the days to come.

Many lawns and gardens bore witness to his kind heart and excellent gardening skills. Helping others was a calling that Ramiro joyfully and enthusiastically answered every day. His physical skills were coupled with a willing spirit and an unfailing faith in God. His fervent prayers lifted heavy hearts and brought peace to many. Only eternity will tell us the number of lives he touched over the years with his quiet witness of God’s love and grace.

Ramiro was steadfast in his faith. He never failed to lead by example and his life was a living testimony of God’s abundant grace and blessing. Family, neighbor, friend, stranger…all were recipients of an extraordinary man’s wise counsel and his willingness to open his heart to all.

Ramiro’s earthly legacy includes daughter Rachel Hernandez & husband, Marcos; daughter Minda Lynn & son Ramiro Puentes II; daughter-in-law Beatrice Puentes, daughter Mary Esquivel & husband Zeke; son Elias Puentes & wife Isabel; daughter Sara Montoya & husband Javier; daughter Deborah Bernstein & husband David. His survivors also include 27 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild, along with many, many more who willingly called him ‘friend’ and ‘brother’ in life.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Amelia Puentes, grandson Ramiro Puentes III, grandson Cameron Montoya, and grandson Rider Fernandez.

It has been said that “To measure a man, measure his heart.” And today we mourn the passing of a giant among men.Ramiro Puentes, life will be different now that you are gone, but our memories of your extraordinary touch on our lives will be celebrated for generations to come.

A visitation for Ramiro will be held Wednesday, February 9, 2022 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023. A funeral service will occur Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkLawndaleFH.com for the Puentes family.