Ralph Rafa Muñoz Munoz Rodriguez

Ralph Munoz Rodriguez was born in Junction, Texas on October 24, 1933 as the second son born to Cecelia and Moses Rodriguez. The young family grew and consisted of four boys and a girl: Esteban, Ralph, Arturo, Lupe and Manuel.

Tragically Moses was struck by pneumonia and passed away when Ralph was five years old. The beautiful young widow had to separate the children leaving them in the care of her sisters, so that she could work and provide for her family in the hope of reuniting them all under one roof. Later, the young widow caught the eye of a Gran Caballero, Gaetano Gonzalez. They married and he claimed the five children as his own; adding two more to the family, Eloisa and Emilio. Thus, the Rodriguez-Gonzalez family was complete.

The family relocated to Shafter, California where they settled and became well known in the community. The children succeeded in school, worked to help the family and spent their free time at the local church and school dances.

Esteban and Ralph left school at an early age to help support the family, assisting Grandfather Gaetano. The family went to church regularly and worked hard to prosper in the community, making lifelong friends who became "compadres and commadres".

In the summer of 1951, Ralph met Margaret DeLaRosa at a dance at the Juarez Hall in Bakersfield. They courted for two and a half years and then married. After the birth of their first child, Rosalinda, the family moved to Burbank, California. Ralph worked as a machinist and then became an employee for the City of Burbank. The young parents were blessed with four more children: Ralph Jr., Joann, David and Daniel.

The family thrived and had many wonderful experiences together. In October of 1985, a large brain tumor was discovered, which encompassed both lobes of Ralph Sr.'s brain. The doctors told Ralph and the family that he only had three to six months life expectancy. The news was a shock, as Ralph had always been a strong and healthy man full of life.

Ralph told his family not to worry and he would beat the cancerous tumor. Over the next three months he tried chemotherapy and slipped into a coma for three days close to death. With the strength of prayers from family and friends, and the Grace of God, Ralph miraculously awoke from the coma. God made his body new again, restoring his health and strength.

The tumor was still present and claimed his eyesight leaving him legally blind and deaf in one ear. Against all odds and defying the doctors' prognosis, Ralph bore the burden of the tumor for close to 23 years. He was known as the "Miracle Man" by his friends and relatives. His family surrounded him with love and appreciation, despite the challenges of his condition.

Ralph had many milestones, including wonderful vacations, trips and activities. The children surprised Ralph and Margaret with a 25th Wedding Anniversary celebration, which his daughters and Commadre Frances Palma catered themselves making 600 homemade enchiladas for the occasion. The couple later renewed their wedding vows after 50 years of marriage with close friends and family, which was officiated by Little Willie G. (former lead singer of Thee Midniters). Ralph watched the DVD of that celebration everyday for two months after, to remind himself of the beautiful event.

We know that God demonstrated his love and mercy in the life of Ralph Rodriguez Sr., leaving us with an unending hope of a better place and everlasting life. Ralph is survived by his loving wife Margaret Rodriguez and his children: Rosalinda, Ralph Jr., Joann, David and Daniel. He was blessed with four granddaughters: Phaedra Bell, Erika, Candace and Andrea Rodriguez.

Ralph left us with a smile on his face, knowing he had been in everyone's thoughts and prayers. He was loved by his family and will never be forgotten. We rejoice and find comfort of his presence in the arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ his Savior.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for the love and support honoring the life of Ralph Munoz Rodriguez.