Michael Lorenzo Ayala

Michael L. Ayala passed away peacefully on December 27, 2025. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

Michael was a graduate of Rio Grande High School, Class of 1969. He dedicated many years of service to the State Highway Department before retiring. In his free time, Michael enjoyed fishing at the San Juan River and was a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan, faithfully cheering on his team year after year.

He was known as someone you could always count on. Michael had a generous heart, a warm smile, and an unwavering love for his family. He was dependable, and showed his is love through his actions. His presence brought comfort and strength to those around him.

Michael is survived by his three children with Linda: Dennis, Richard (daughter-in-law Judie), and Mindy; his ten grandchildren: Valoree, Angel, Tori, Ashlee, Lorenzo, Richard Jr., Santana, Marcus, Mercedes, and Selena; and his six great-grandchildren: CJ, Hayden, Rosalia, Ariah, Jeremiah, and Aviana. He is also lovingly remembered by his godchildren, Eric, Amanda, and Ashlee; and his siblings, Rita, Patrick, Ernie, Christine, and Anna.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lupe and Ines Ayala, and his brother, Rick Ayala.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ernie and Juan. Pallbearers will be Eric, Lorenzo, Marcus, Ray “Garza,” Anthony “T-Bone,” and Tommy.

Services will be held on January 8, 2026, beginning with the Recitation of the Rosary at 8:00 a.m. at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, located at 1400 Arenal Rd. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87105. Mass will be celebrated at 9:00 a.m. A reception will follow immediately after Mass in the Parish Hall, where family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance and celebration of Michael’s life.

Michael’s legacy of love, loyalty, and devotion to family will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.