RAMIRO TIJERINA

RAMIRO TIJERINA EDINBURG - Ramiro Tijerina, 63, died Thursday, September 20, 2012, at Rio Grande Regional Hospital in McAllen. Ramiro or "TJ" as he was affectionately known as, was born on September 19, 1949, in Memphis, but called Edinburg his home. He was the second oldest child of 10 to Raul and Maria Tijerina. Ramiro was never an ordinary individual. Always trying new things and living life to the fullest, Ramiro was a special person. Raised on the ranchlands of Linn, Ramiro had a keen sense of direction, a strong character, and a "never give up" attitude. Always the protector of his siblings, and a true jokester, not a day went by when Ramiro and friends didn't get into some kind of adventure or "travesura". Never a stranger to a horse, he enjoyed riding and was passionate about his heartland. Ramiro attended Brewster Elementary and eventually reached High School. Ramiro liked to reminisce the life of a teenager in the 60s, hanging out with his friends at the dances and riding classic cars like the mustang and his Yamaha motorcycle, "Lightning". Ramiro graduated from Edinburg High class of '67 with no doubts that his future would be in our U.S. Military forces. Ramiro volunteered for the U.S. Army after graduation. He completed basic training at Fort Polk and Infantry training in Kentucky. Soon thereafter, he got his wings at Airborne School in Fort Benning, GA and was stationed with the 10th Mountain Division in Europe. Ramiro traveled the world, making lifelong friends and long lasting impressions. Impassioned and fervent was his sense of duty and his patriotism, that Ramiro served his country faithfully for 24 illustrious years. Ramiro retired as a Sergeant First Class and Army National Guard Recruiter in Texas, but not without attaining several successes along the way. Ramiro went to Pan American College, later known as UTPA, and studied to become a special needs educator. Ramiro also succeeded as a business entrepreneur, construction contractor, horticulturist, agricultural field scout, and amateur entomologist. Ramiro loved to dance, he loved music, horses, trail-rides, and was defined for his love of cooking and eating fine cuisine and being a South Texas cook-off champion. Ramiro found great joy in spoiling others and creating opportunities for others to have a good time. All who knew Ramiro knew that he was an awesome gift giver. Although Ramiro showed great devotion as a serviceman and community leader, this devotion paled in comparison to the commitment, love and loyalty he expressed for his family. Besides being an exemplary person, Ramiro was a great father, a super grandpa, a loving husband, a caring brother, an honorable son and the very best friend anyone could ask for. He lived his life as a beacon of light and his memory will serve as a reminder to all who ever met him, that humanity is certainly not lost because of extraordinary people like Ramiro. Ramiro is preceded in death by his brother, Robert Tijerina and sister, Isabel Armenta. He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Josefina "Josie" Castillo-Tijerina of Edinburg; four daughters, Dr. Marina (Bernie) Villalobos of Mission, Marissa (Orly) Tijerina-Montalvo, Elizabeth (J.P.) Recinos, both of Edinburg, Erika Hanson of McAllen; six grandchildren, Mateo Villalobos, Kareena Villalobos, Alexander "Alex" Cuellar, Kaiden Montalvo, Isabella Recinos, Gabriella Recinos; parents, Raul Sr. and Maria C. Tijerina of Linn, TX; three brothers, Raul Jr. (Rose Mary) Tijerina of Edinburg, Rene (Liz) Tijerina of Pharr, Rod (Alma) Tijerina of McKinney, TX; four sisters, Irene (Ruben) Rios of Edinburg, Alma (Tony) Rodriguez of Linn, Rose Gonzalez of Edinburg, Melissa (Anivar) Garcia of Edinburg; a sister-in-law, Priscilla Tijerina of Linn, TX; a brother-in-law, Ruben Armenta of New Mexico; numerous nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 5 to 9 p.m., with a 6:30 p.m. prayer service followed by a rosary, today, September 23, 2012, at Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg. Funeral service will be at 9:30 a.m. Monday, September 24, 2012, at St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in McAllen. Interment will follow at Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery in Mission. Military honors will be conducted by Post VFW 3895 of La Joya. Funeral services are under the direction of Memorial Funeral Home in Edinburg.