Rafael “Ralph” Torres September 27, 1938 ~ December 17, 2020 (age 82)

Obituary

Rafael “Ralph” Torres, of Portales NM, passed away on December 17, 2020 in Albuquerque, NM.  Funeral and burial services will be held at 1:00 PM, Mon., Dec. 21, 2020 at the Portales Cemetery with Pastor Pete Jaramillo officiating.  The services will also be live streamed online for those that are unable to attend at wheelermortuary.net.  Michael Torres, Paul Torres, Isaias Bonilla, Nathan Salas, Andrew Torres, and Ricky Salas will serve as pallbearers

Rafael was born on September 27, 1938, in El Cerrito, N.M., and was the son of Faustin and Augustina (Vigil) Torres.  He married Marcella Jaramillo in October of 1962.  Ralph and his wife, Marcella, made their home in the Portales area where they raised their three children.  Ralph worked as dairy hand, farmer, and driver before becoming disabled in 1990.  He enjoyed camping, fishing, riding horses, hunting, remodeling, gambling, and spending time with family.

Ralph is survived by his two sons, Michael Torres and Paul Torres, both of Portales; and a daughter, Christine (Ricky) Salas of Las Cruces; four sisters: Ursinia (Richard) Valdez; Irene Sena; Teresa (Gilbert) Maes, and Annalee Torres.  He also survived of his precious grandchildren: Rebecca (Isaias) Bonilla; Samantha Torres; Nathan (Heaven) Salas; Michael, Jr. Torres; Andrew Torres; and Caden Torres; three step-grandchildren: Brandon McClure, Kayla Peele, and Krista Smith; and six great-grandchildren:  Genesis, Isaias Jr., Odyssey (Bonilla); Kyrin, Brooklyn (Salas), and Kealan Torres, as well as other near relatives, family, and friends.  He was preceded in death by both parents; step-mother: Elis Torres; four brothers: Alfonso Torres, Celestino Torres, Willie Torres, and Faustin Jr. Torres; and a sister, Maria Eutimia Wong.  He was known for his humor and generosity and was deeply loved by family and friends.