Raymond Mitchel Gutierrez

Ray was born and raised in Boulder, Colorado; one of eight boys born to Joseph Cruz Gutierrez and Rachel Vigil. He graduated from Boulder High School and promptly joined the United States Army. Ray was a good soldier, proudly serving his country for 22 years. He was awarded many commendations including the Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, NCO Professional Development Ribbon and Over Seas Bars.

Ray met the love of his life, Frances Martinez, when he asked her to dance in Denver, Colorado. They were married on January 14, 1966 in Denver, and stayed happily so until the time of his passing. Ray and Fran welcomed into the world one beautiful daughter, Kimberly. When Ray retired from the Army in 1982, after many years of deployment, redeployment, and relocation, he settled his little family in Longmont and that is where they remained.

Following his Army days, Ray worked for IBM and then the City of Longmont. He was a man of great faith and attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Longmont and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Ray enjoyed bowling in his spare time. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them.

Ray was a loving husband, father and “Gaggy”. He was deeply loved by his family and will be dreadfully missed by all those that loved him.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Cruz Gutierrez and Rachel (Sixtos) Vigil, and his brothers, Gilbert Gutierrez, Leandro Gutierrez, Robert Gutierrez, Lawrence Gutierrez, and Adolpho Gutierrez. He leaves behind a beautiful legacy and is survived by his wife and life partner of 56 years, Frances Martinez Gutierrez, daughter Kimberly Ray (Scott) Thornton, granddaughter, Samantha Ray Gurule, Grandson, Mitchel Lee Gurule, great-granddaughter, Hennessy Ray Legate, and his brothers, Abe (Helen) Gutierrez and John (Laura) Gutierrez.

A Rosary and Funeral Service were held for Ray on Friday, July 8, 2022 at Howe Mortuary Chapel in Longmont, followed by a light reception in the event center where family and friends gathered for a time of fellowship and remembrance. Ray will be laid to eternal rest in a private service at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver, Colorado. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com for the Gutierrez family.