This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: marcenath Surnames: Escalante, Morales, Paez, Reyes Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/localities.northam.usa.states.newmexico.counties.donaana/4613/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Ramon "Ray" Escalante, 68, of Las Cruces passed into eternal life Thursday, August 05, 2010 after a courageous and lengthy battle with prostate cancer. He was born November 25, 1941. Ramon was truly a self made man. He came from meager beginnings and strove to be the best he could be. He was a resident of Las Cruces for the majority of his life and graduated from Las Cruces High School in 1960. He served his country honorably in the United States Army as a paratrooper and, later as a mechanic. Ramon was employed by the City of Las Cruces for twenty eight years where be began as a mechanic and retired as an associate director. He became an accomplished self-taught artist after his retirement which allowed him to travel to art shows around the country. In August of 2009 he became part owner/operator of Los Artesanos Galeria in Old Mesilla at the Old Tortilla Factory. Ray is survived by his devoted wife of exactly thirty two years, Jan Escalante. He is also survived by his loving son and daughter, Nicholas and Veronica (husband, Anthony Teran) and beautiful granddaughters, Elise and Nissa all of Phoenix Arizona. His loving sisters, Gloria Morales, Irma Paez and Bertha Reyes all reside in Las Cruces. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Luis Morales, Ronald Wolschon of Reno, Nevada and Dennis Wolschon of St. Clair Shores, Michigan, as well as his mother-in-law, Gertrude Wolschon also of Las Cruces. Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews, as well as many long time friends too numerous to mention. His first son, Christopher, and parents, Loreto and Norberta Escalante, preceded him in death. Although Ramon has, after nine years, succumbed to the crippling disease of cancer, he will forever live in the hearts of his family and friends with memories of his love, compassion, good deeds and devotion, as well as the legacy he has left of his artwork. Although somewhat timid as a beginning artist, he became quite accomplished at his trade. He was very well read regarding Indian culture and Southwestern history, and loved to discuss their influence which inspired his works. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 E. Montana, Las Cruces, NM 88005, which provided excellent assistance during his last journey. Cremation has taken place and a Memorial Service will be held at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, August 07, 2010 in the Prayer Chapel of Baca's Funeral Chapels, 300 E. Boutz Road with the Reverend Don Adamski officiating. Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapels and Sunset Crematory. 527-2222 Your exclusive providers for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care". For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com Published in Las Cruces Sun-News on August 7, 2010 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.