J. Ron "Grizz" Viramontes

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father and brother J. Ron Viramontes, 64, better known to many as "Grizz"', on Tuesday, July 27, 2010, at La Posada Mesilla Valley Hospice. He was born on June 14, 1946, in El Paso, Texas, to the late Jose E. 'Conke' and Maria Luisa Alba Viramontes. Ron graduated from New Mexico State University in 1978, with a Bachelor of Individualized Studies Degree. He served honorably in the United States Air Force for four years during the Vietnam Era. Ron is survived by one daughter, Anna Teresa Viramontes Andrews and her husband, Charles Andrews II, of Lewisville, Texas, who are expecting Ron's first grandchild, Acelin Teal, in November.
Ron served as an altar boy and was a member of the Knights of the Altar at Holy Cross School, located on Main Street at that time. He treasured his years at Holy Cross as some of the best years of his life.
While at Holy Cross, he had a miraculous experience in 1959 with St. Genevieve, where she offered him a piece of bread from her basket. This experience held a lifelong impact with Ron.
He also had a love for basketball; he coached at Holy Cross School while he attended Las Cruces High School his junior and senior years, and continued through his freshman year of college. During his time as a coach he enjoyed great success with his team, winning 42 of 49 games and received a nod of recognition for his accomplishments from Ms. Era Rentfrow, then Registrar and Counselor at NMSU.
Ron was involved in agriculture his whole life, always trying to improve cultural practices. Through his educational endeavors and strong concerns for the environment, he achieved moderate success in implementing different ideas.
Ron thoroughly enjoyed composing, publishing, and recording music. Known as 'Grizz', he will be remembered for his songs "Beautiful Lady" and "What's a Rose". Ron enjoyed a gifted ability to entertain people, not only with his music, but also with his wit and humor. You could always find him anywhere the laughter was.
Survivors include nine brothers and three sisters: Buddy (Sally), Jaime, Jacob, Charles, Victor, Las Cruces; Juan Leo, Albuquerque, Ricardo, El Paso, Texas; Mario (Connie), Martin (Theresa), Fresno, CA; Mary Lou Gomez (Daniel), San Diego, CA; Sylvia Garcia (Peter, Ph.D.), El Paso, TX; Margo Jarvey (Larry), Fresno, CA; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Ron was preceded in death by his parents Jose E. 'Conke' and Maria Luisa Alba Viramontes and sister, Mary Agnes Camunez-Long. "I will see you in the next parallel or dimension. Feel free to come by and visit. You don't have to stay long if you don't want to. Adios and God Bless".
One of Ron's last requests was to wish everyone Great Love.
Services will be held at St. Genevieve Catholic Church at 100 S. Espina. Visitation will be Monday, August 02, 2010 from 6 p.m. to7 p.m. with a rosary following at 7 p.m. funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, August 03, 2010. Ron will be interred at Memory Gardens of the Valley in Santa Teresa, New Mexico.
At Ron's request, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to La Posada Mesilla Valley Hospice or the local American Cancer Society. Pallbearers will be Martin Viramontes, Ricardo Viramontes, David Alba, Eric Ness, Vince Barnett, Mario Viramontes.

Arrangements are with La Paz-Graham's Funeral Home. To send condolences go to www.lapaz-grahams.com