Ray Sanchez Obituary

Ray went home to be with the Lord on August 19, 2025. He passed peacefully surrounded by his wife and children.

Ray was born in Arboles, Colorado on January 16,1944 to Aurora and Aurelio Sanchez. He was the first of eight children. As a young man he helped his dad with farm work. He started his education in a small schoolhouse in Arboles and finished by graduating from Durango High School. He was enlisted in the Army from 1964 - 1967 where he was able to explore and experience many parts of the world. Many of his stories were about being stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany. While in the Army he was a tank mechanic and worked his way up in the ranks to Specialist 5 and received a Good Conduct medal.

In 1970 he married the love of his life Sylvia Cordova. In 1975 they moved from Durango to Ignacio CO where they made their life-long home. During their 55 years of a beautiful union, they had three children, Jason, Brian and Renae. Over the years their children blessed them with eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Which earned him the name of POPS.

While raising his family he worked for Pepsi Bottling Company, Durango Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad and the Durango Postal Service. He worked for the Postal Service from 1973 until he retired in 2000. After retirement he loved tinkering around the garage and working on projects around the house. He also enjoyed trips to Laughlin, NV and Cripple Creek, CO. He loved exploring history whether it was reading a book, visiting old mining towns or playing trivial pursuit. He was an avid Denver Broncos fan. You could tell by just walking into their home. His most, favorite past time was time with his family.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, brother Leonard, sisters Inez and Theresa.

Ray is survived by his wife of 55 years Sylvia, his three children Jason (Laura) Sanchez, Brian (Connie) Sanchez, Renae (Delbert) Cuthair. His eight grandchildren Cassandra Sanchez (DJ Pacheco), Ray Jason Jr. (Tristany) Sanchez, Nicholas (Briana) Sanchez. Marcos and Estevan Sanchez, Jordan, Dominic and Layla Cuthair. Great Grandchildren Avalyna, Ray III and Aria Sanchez, Natalia, Liliana and Cynthia Salas. Brothers Jerry, Art and Jim Sanchez, sister Marie Walker and numerous Godchildren.

As requested by Ray there will be a private family service.