Ramon M. Rivas

Born on 10/20/1934 in Santa Isabel, Chihuahua, Mexico to parents Jose de la Luz Rivas and Maria Medrano Rivas, Ramon married the love of his life, Aurora De La Cruz on 8/11/1952. Young Ramon and his bride moved to the United States and built their home in California’s central valley. A natural craftsman, Ramon was no stranger to hard work. Together with his wife, they transformed their family farm into a successful business where they taught their children and grandchildren the value of hard work during their 30 years of ownership.

Ramon was a devoted husband to his bride, and together, they celebrated 67 years of marriage. They bought and restored a historic home in Merced where they loved to host friends and family gatherings. Christmas, Ramon’s favorite holiday, wasn’t complete without the resonant vocals and rhythmic instrumentals from his favorite live mariachi band enhancing the love and the laughter within. A focal point at the festivities, he would stand back with a twinkle in his eye and enjoy watching multiple generations of his family share in their laughter and love together.

Ramon is survived by his loving wife, their children, and extended family: the Robert Rivas family (son Robert, wife Martha, daughters Gabriela and Pati, and their husbands, Michael Dampier and Brandon Oswalt); the Guzman family (daughter Angelica, husband Steve, children Danielle and Nicholas, and Danielle’s family, husband Michael, and children Andrew and Evelyn Orth); the Espinosa family (daughter Patricia, husband Frank, and children James and Sarah, and James’ family, wife Shahin and daughter Siena Espinosa, and Sarah’s family, husband Donnie and daughter Aniyah Boyett); the Aurora Rivas family (daughter Aurora, children Anita, Joseph, and Jacob Rodriguez and son Theo Rodriguez); and the Myrna Rivas family (daughter Myrna and children Matt and Derek Martin and Amanda Contreras).

In his final years, Ramon was cared for by his loved ones. The family would especially like to thank Berta Chamu for her assistance with caring for Ramon over the years.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 from 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. funeral services will be held on Thursday, November 8, 2018 beginning at 10:00 a.m. at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home located at 1490 B Street Merced, California 95341. Interment will follow at Plainsburg Cemetery located at 8943 Gillette Ave, Le Grand, California 95333.