Jose "Ralph" Luna Jr.

Jose Rafael “Ralph” Luna, 90, passed away following complications of a stroke on Sunday, June 2, 2019 in Rio Rancho, NM. Ralph was born in Velarde, New Mexico on July 4, 1928, the son of Jose Rafael Luna and Rafaelita Garcia Luna, both educators. Ralph was raised with his siblings on their parents’ fruit orchard, Luna Orchards. After attending McCurdy Mission School through high school, Ralph served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He then went on to attend the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering. Ralph worked briefly for the New Mexico State Highway Department but his life career was with the Bureau of Indian Affairs until he retired after 28 years of service. Ralph was married to his wife Marie for 59 years, during which time they had two children, Stephanie and Ralph Eugene. Ralph loved to hunt, fish, travel, and had a love for Lobo basketball. Ralph was a member of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Bear Canyon Ward. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Marie, son Ralph Eugene Luna, infant brother Armando Luna, and sisters Sara Sanchez and Viola Easley. Ralph is survived by daughter Stephanie Luna Stephens, grandsons Bryan Stephens (Étienne Renaudeau), Craig Stephens (Kate), and granddaughter Megan Stephens, great grandchildren Sullivan Joseph Stephens and Elliott Luna Stephens, sisters Olinda Chavez and Emma Writtenberry.

Services will be held on June 7 at 11 AM.

Daniels Family Funeral Services-Wyoming Chapel

7601 Wyoming Blvd NE

Albuquerque, NM 87109