Ralph Diaz Ramirez

Ralph Diaz Ramirez, a resident of Merced, California, passed away at the age of 77, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Merced, California, on February 28, 1949, to Aurora Cavazos Diaz and Porfirio Machuca Ramirez. He spent his childhood in Le Grand, California, with his six siblings and countless lifelong friends.

Working alongside his father in the tomato fields, Ralph learned the value of hard work. As he grew older, this foundation shaped not only his character but also his leadership. Throughout these years, his dedication, loyalty, and generosity established him as a revered leader. Any visit to a local restaurant or store, even trips out of town, would inevitably lead to a chance meeting with former employees, thanking him for a job, his friendship, or recalling a time when he helped when no one else would. He was an innovative businessman who expanded Ramirez Trucking with his brothers.

His true passion and livelihood, however, were the forty years he spent working for Bob Rogina, growing tomatoes and cultivating a cherished friendship. He was extremely grateful for those years together. This chapter in his career reflected the same work ethic and commitment established early in his life. He loved driving his pickup, checking on the plants, and walking the furrows. He spent hours creating maps and keeping detailed records. He was proud of his labor, taking all his grandchildren out to the fields, strapping them into car seats in his truck.

Throughout his lifetime, his family remained his center. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Raymond Ramirez. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Espie, his son, Ronald (Chrys) Ramirez, his daughter, Renée (Neal) Richards, his grandchildren, Tiffani Ramirez, Alyssa (Sergio) Ramirez, Cynthia Rose Ramirez, Jonah (Karen) Richards, Ryan Richards, Nathan Richards, Reese Richards, and three great-granddaughters, Adrienne Ramirez, Olivia Ortega, and Addison Richards. He is also survived by his beloved siblings, Gregorio Ramirez, Estelle Noriega, Porfirio (Carol) Ramirez, Mary (Bruce) Adams, and Bart (Rosemary) Ramirez, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A Vigil Service with Rosary will be held at Our Lady of Mercy Church, 459 W 21st St, Merced, CA on June 12, 2026, beginning at 6:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will follow the next day June 13, 2026 beginning at 12:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Mercy Church. Interment will follow at Merced Cemetery District, 1300 B St, Merced, CA.