Ricardo Lira Ayala

1927 - 2023

April 5, 1927 - May 28, 2023 On May 28, 2023 God wrapped his arms around our father and placed him into his "ETERNAL REST". Ricardo Lira Ayala was born and raised in Rancho Cucamonga, CA to Margarita and Jesus Ayala. Affectionately was known as Fish, Uncle Fish (loved to play hooky from school and go swimming in the Cucamonga canal), and Grandpa chicken (his love for all fowl creatures). Predeceased by his parents, brothers Arthur, Joe Ayala and his sister Carmen Prado. Attended Cucamonga Elementary School. Worked in agriculture throughout the Inland Empire. Enlisted in the United States Army, honorably discharged in 1944. Married his childhood sweetheart, Carmen Acuna and fathered one daughter Teresa and one son Richard Jr. (deceased). He later married Margret Lujan, moved to Santa Fe Springs, Ca. and worked for Pacific Clay Products as a kiln burner operator, retiring after 36 years of service. He fathered seven sons, Michael, Manuel, Larry (deceased), Freddy, Henry (deceased), Richard II, Jessie; and one daughter Virginia. Met his companion of over 20 years, Shirley Gerber and fathered a daughter Marguerite. Survived by 21 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren. Lovingly cared for during the last 6 years of his life by his daughters Teresa and Marguerite. We will always remember greeting him, "good morning Grandpa" and he would reply "fine thank you". Our father loved to read, watch western movies and visit the Goodwill stores. He loved flowers and tended to his growing garden; Mother Nature provided him with a "green thumb". His backyard was a zoo filled with rabbits, chickens, doves, cockatiels and even a turkey. He would sit for hours and listen to his favorite music (Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Hank Williams and Freddy Fender). Viewing will be on Friday, June 30, from 8:00 to 10:00 A.M. - Draper Mortuary, Ontario. Funeral mass at 11:00 A.M. - Our Lady of Mr. Carmel Catholic Church, Rancho Cucamonga. Final resting place at 1:00 P.M., Bellevue Cemetery, Ontario. Family and friends, please join us in celebrating his life's stories and memories. Event will be held at Rancho Cucamonga Housing Authority Hall, 10071 Feron Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M., catering served from 2:30 to 4:30 P.M.