Jonathan J. Hale

Jonathan James Hale April 28, 1947 - March 17, 2025

Johnny was a lifelong resident of Ruidoso, a descendant of the pioneering ranch family that first came to Lincoln County in 1856. Johnny was a 1965 graduate of Ruidoso High School where he was a stand out and skilled basketball player. After high school, Johnny enlisted in the United States Army. While in the Army, he married his high school sweetheart Becca Browning, and in 1973 they had a daughter Carrie Echo Hale. His daughter Echo was the light of his life. Johnny's term in the Army was cut short by the death of his father Willie Hale. After Willie's death, Johnny returned to Lincoln County where he found employment as a cowboy and worked on several ranches. He was even featured in Western Horseman Magazine on two separate occasions.  

Johnny is preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Ena Hale; brother, Andy; and numerous other Hale family members. He is survived by his daughter, Echo; granddaughter, Kelsey; great grandchildren, Case and Hayden; brother, David Hale; nephew, Johnny Hale; nephew, Lance Hale and his son Gearen Hale and his two daughters, Hadlie and Harper; and niece Kristie Hale and her children, Brett, Kassidy, and Regan. 

Johnny dearly loved his family and enjoyed spending time with his great grandchildren. He will forever be known as a very kind man. 

Funeral services for Johnny will be 2:00pm Friday, March 21, 2025 at the J Bar J Country Church. Interment will follow at Hale Cemetery in Ruidoso Downs.