Ray B. Chavez

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our father grandfather, and great-grandfather, Reyes Bordeaux Chavez, (Ray B. Chavez). He passed away on Feb. 21, 2012 at the age of 90 and joins the love of his life, Josefa (Josie) Chavez who passed away on December 16, 1995. Ray passed away at home surrounded by his family, and with the spiritual presence of his numerous friends and extended family. Ray and Josie were the proud parents of six children and were also grandparents and great-grandparents. Ray was born in Springerville Arizona on January 30, 1922, son of Felipe and Lily Chavez. Upon graduation from Round Valley High School in 1941, he served in the US Navy during World War II as an aviation machinist and was honorably discharged in 1946, Ray married Josie on May 11, 1946 in Quemado NM and they proceeded to Las Cruces NM, where Ray would attend New Mexico State University. In the fall of 1950 Ray became the first member of his family to receive a college education when he received his B.S degree in Mechanical Engineering with honors. Upon graduation, Ray had the opportunity to work for the newly established Physical Science Laboratory (PSL) at New Mexico State. PSL would eventually become one of the nations foremost Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation (RDT&E) organizations during the 1960's, 70's and 80's. One of Ray's many contributions to PSL included implementing the mathematics and algorithms to process the raw photo-optical data supplied used to track missiles and launch vehicles at WSMR. Ray worked for PSL for thirty-three years and finished his career as the Section Chief of the Data Reduction Section in the Data Processing Division. Throughout his professional career Ray was a member of the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. Ray was always active in community activities in Las Cruces. Some of his many associations included: Vos Vaqueros, the Singing men of Las Cruces; Los Pastores; Boy Scouts of America; Dona Ana Council of PTA's; NMSU Alumni Association; NMSU Mil Gracias Society, Serra Club and of course his great passion, golf at NMSU. Ray's surviving family includes daughters Lydia Ward and Frances (Fran) Chavez. Sons include Michael, Victor, Daniel and Anthony. Lydia's family includes husband Jack, and their children Marisa, Matthew and Christopher. Fran's family includes husband Tim, and their children Joshua, and Christina. Michael's son Jory, who passed away on March 13, 2002. Victor's family includes wife Diana, and their children Gabriel and Alicia. Daniel's family includes daughters Jennifer, Nicole and Danielle. Anthony's family includes wife Dolores and their children Teresa and Joseph. Great-grandchildren include Madison and Hunter Chavez and also Austin Ragsdale, Logan Walker and Matthew Ward. Ray's surviving brothers and sisters include Felipe Jr. of Albuquerque NM, Richard of Las Cruces, Francis Giron of Pojoaque NM and Emilia Aragon of Bethesda, Maryland. Ray's large and loving extended family was a big part of his life and their lifelong devotion and caring was a blessing. A visitation will be held from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012 at St. Albert the Great Newman Center where Ray's rosary will follow at 2:30 PM with Fr. Ray Flores officiating. Mr. Chavez's funeral mass to celebrate his life is at 2:00 PM on Monday, Feb. 27, 2012 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral with Fr. John Weber officiating. Rite of Committal will be at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery with military honors. Casket bearers will be granddaughters Marisa Walker and Christina Chavez, grandsons Matt and Chris Ward, Joshua and Gabriel Chavez. Honorary casket bearers include granddaughters Teresa, and Alicia Chavez, grandson Joseph Chavez plus, Elario Chavez, George Roberts, Donald Peterson, and Larry Losleban. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Ray's memory to La Posada-Mesilla Valley Hospice, 299 E. Montana, Las Cruces, NM 88005, (505) 525-5738. PDF Printable Version