Ranulfo "Rick" Rocha

Ranulfo was known by many names, including Rick, Raña, Dad, Grandpa, and Capa by a select few. Rick was born May 27, 1946, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to Rosalio & Margarita Rocha. He was the third of ten children. The family migrated back to their hometown in

Abilene, where he called home. He attended Abilene schools and met some of his closest lifelong friends. In his early years, he worked as a cook at the Lamplighter Motor Inn. He learned many dishes and was an amazing cook. A talent he never forgot, and he loved cooking delicious meals for his family. Although he was a good cook, this was not his true talent.

Rick moved to Fort Worth, Texas, and began working as a bricklayer. It was not long before he knew this would become his career. He eventually made his way back to Abilene, Texas, and quickly became one of the most well-known masonry contractors in the city and surrounding area. He was sought out by the top powerhouse home builders in Abilene, like Kenneth Musgrave, Scott Olson, and many others. His talent was instrumental in the

development of many well-established neighborhoods and subdivisions in Abilene, Texas, and the surrounding areas during the 1980's through the mid 2000's. Rick often shared his craft with family members interested in developing their skills, teaching, and mentoring the younger ones that would eventually take over or venture off to start their own business.

Rick's move back to Abilene, Texas was not solely because of work, but because he had met someone special. On July 31, 1980, he married Sandra Gayton Garza. For the next 29 years, they spent the rest of their lives living life to their fullest, making lasting memories. They enjoyed traveling, fishing, camping, visiting casinos, playing bingo, and, of course, dancing the night away. Always finding reasons to laugh along the way. Their love for each other turned this blended family of nine into a beautiful family of forty-four. His main purpose was to make the love of his life as happy as he could until her passing on March 26, 2009. Another one of Rick's biggest passions was golf. It was a weekend ritual to gather his crew and meet on the green.

He played anytime he could get away, and anywhere he could squeeze in a round. Another joy was when he and his precious Babygirl Mikayla would meet up to go out to eat, or Saturday morning breakfast at Cracker Barrel with his grandson Mikey. He also found a special place in his heart for his fur-baby, Bella. One of their favorite things to do was to go for drives, often ending up at Arby's to get her favorite sandwich.

Rick is preceded in death by both parents; his beloved wife Sandra Rocha; brothers, Pedro and Celestino Rocha; sisters, Susie Villalobos and Margie Contreras; and grandson, Joseph Silvas.

Left to cherish his memory are his siblings Jody Rocha, Carmen Molina, Sal Rocha, Arthur Rocha, Efren Rocha; his children Rachel Rocha of Ohio, Ruby (Jimmy) Whatley, Ruth (Mike) Rutledge, Ranulfo "Bubba" (Aurora) Rocha, all of Ft. Worth; Alice (Johnny) DeLa Garza; Cindy (Alfred) Silvas; and Erica Rocha (Mike Orona), all of Abilene; sixteen grandkids and nineteen great-grandkids.

Pallbearers are nephews, Victor Molina Jr., Gabriel Molina, Barney Villalobos, Leo Rocha, Chris Rocha, Justin Rocha, and honorary pallbearer Oscar Villalobos.

The family would like to thank the staff at Hendrick Medical Center's ICU unit for giving our dad care and compassion during his stay.

Visitation will be held at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene, TX 79606, US, on October 28, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm, followed by the Rosary at the same location on October 28, 2026, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home, 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene, TX 79606, US, on October 29, 2026, at 10:00 am, with a Committal Service to follow at Elliott-Hamil Garden of Memories Cemetery, 5701 Highway 277 South, Abilene, Texas 79606.