Raymond M "Ray" Baca

Raymond (Ray) M. Baca, a resident of Las Vegas, NM passed away on January 5,
2026 following an extended illness. Ray (El Sorra) was born in Las Vegas on
November 26, 1943 to Frank A. Baca and Josephine Delgado Baca. He is
preceded in death by his parents Frank and Josephine Baca, infant daughter
Paulette Baca, infant grandson Anthony Baca, and brothers Frank Baca Jr. and
John Phillip Baca, sister-in-law Adelina Baca, and nephew Carl Baca.

Ray is survived by his children John A. Baca of Las Vegas, Rita LaPointe of
Albuquerque, Joseph A. Baca of Concord, New Hampshire, and their mother,
Viola Garduño of Las Vegas. He is also survived by his beloved grandchildren
Xavier M. Baca, and Emily M. Baca of Concord, New Hampshire, his brother
Edward Baca of Mint Hill, NC, his sisters Rita Marie Baca and Jeanette Yara and
husband Jake of Las Vegas, NM, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He is also predeceased by his father and mother-in-law Geronimo and Antonia
Garduño, his brothers and sisters-in-law Pete Garduño and wife Marilla, Isabel
Chavez and husband Manuel, Jerry Garduño, Beatriz Martinez Garduño, Helen
Montoya and husband Carlos, Tony Garduño, Danny Garduño, Gilbert Garduño,
Joe Garduño, and Leo Garduño

Among survivors are his remaining brothers and sisters-in-law, Elma Garduño,
Ray Garduño and wife Andrea, Alice Gallegos and husband Donald, Antonia
Garduño, Della Gonzales and husband Rosalio, Lorraine Hernandez and husband
Fred, Patricia Garduño, Rosemary Garduño, and RoseAnn Trujillo.

At a very young age Ray tagged alongside his father and developed a keen interest
and understanding of auto mechanics. He was well known for his ability to
precisely diagnose mechanical issues; and at the time, without aid of modern
diagnostic technology. After school, weekends, and summer vacations he could be
found at his father's Plaza Garage doing what he loved best.

Ray graduated from the Immaculate Conception High School in Las Vegas and
thereafter was employed by Quality Chevrolet in Las Vegas for many years. He
developed an unrivaled expertise as a Master Mechanic and had a reputation for
being one of the best in the Las Vegas area. After his retirement from Quality
Chevrolet he was an instructor of Auto Mechanics at Luna Vocational Technical
Institute, now known as Luna Community College and worked there for a few
years.

Ray served as a volunteer fireman for the E. Romero Hose and Fire Company
before the consolidation of the E. Romero Hose and Fire Company and the new
town Fire Department He served as a volunteer under the leadership of Fire
Chiefs George Maloof, and Tony Ludi Sr., respectively. In 1967, at the age of 23,
Ray was named Fireman of the Year for his committed service as a volunteer and
also keeping the fire trucks mechanically sound. He also served on the Board of
Trustees as noted on the memorial plaque on the E. Romero Hose and Fire
Company building on New Mexico Ave. and eventually became an honorary
member of the department. He retired from auto mechanics and as a volunteer
fireman after many years of service.

In his later years, he had a passion for learning the ins and outs of electronics and
computers, and applied his creative mechanical skills towards fixing and building
computers, TVs, video cameras, and any other electronics he could get his hands
on. He loved the challenge and was fond of saying, "Where there's a will, there's a
Ray."

Services for Ray will begin with the recitation of the Holy Rosary on Thursday,
January 22, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow
immediately after the Rosary at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, with burial following at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Serving as
Pallbearers will be Jake M. Yara, Michael Yara, Mario Vigil, Timothy Gallegos,
Trini Gallegos Jr., and Steven Montoya. Honorary Bearers are Edward Baca, Jake
Yara Sr., Ray Garduño, Donald Gallegos, and Nelson Lopez.

Arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, 600 Reynolds Ave., Las Vegas, NM 87701, 505-425-3511 or 1-800-479-3511.

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