Ramon Ben Trujillo

Ramon Benjamin Trujillo, 89, passed away on December 14, 2024, after a battle with a stroke. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sophia Cordova; father, Benjamin Trujillo; brothers, Joseph and Richard Trujillo; and grandson, Dominic Perea. Ramon is survived by his devoted wife of 62 years, Betty Jean Trujillo; daughter and son-in-law, Christine and Kris Perea; son and daughter-in-law, Raymond and Trish Trujillo; son and son-in-law, Brian Trujillo and Don Lozano; grandsons, Michael and Bjorn Trujillo, Adam Perea, and his longtime partner Celeste; as well as his great-granddaughter Destiny, great-grandson Uriah, and many nieces and nephews.

Born in Vaughn, New Mexico in 1935, Ramon faced the loss of his mother when he was just nine years old. Raised by his father, Benjamin, Ramon excelled academically and spent his afternoons hunting rabbits to help support his family. He graduated from Vaughn High School, earning his diploma and varsity letters in Track & Field and Basketball, while also contributing as the art editor for the school paper and a member of the yearbook staff.

Ramon served two years in the U.S. Army, initially in the Quartermaster Corps at Fort Lee, Virginia. After a brief period back home, he was re-drafted for another year, this time serving in the Chemical Corps at Fort McClellan, Alabama.

Ramon met Jean in Las Vegas, New Mexico while he was on military leave. They kept in touch through letters during his service and, in 1962, were married in Santa Fe, New Mexico. After the birth of their first two children, the family relocated to Gabbs, Nevada, where Ramon worked for the Kerr-McGee Corporation mining magnesium. Later, they returned to the Grants and San Mateo areas of New Mexico, where Ramon continued working for the same company in uranium mining and exploration operations.

Ramon's exceptional people skills led him to a career as a salesman for Albuquerque Barber and Beauty Supply, where he worked for many years making deliveries to shops across New Mexico. Eventually, he and Jean had the opportunity to purchase one of the four Albuquerque Beauty Supply stores. They operated the store near Osuna and 4th Street for many years before retiring.

In 2010, Ramon and Jean renewed their wedding vows at St. Anne's Catholic Church. In later years, they volunteered with the Albuquerque Public Schools Grandparents Program, mentoring elementary school children and assisting as bilingual teacher aides. The students affectionately referred to them as "Grandma" and "Grandpa," a tradition that continued until Ramon's stroke. The outpouring of love and support, seen in countless cards and visits from teachers, students, and staff, reflected the deep admiration and affection everyone had for him. A service will be held for Ramon at French Funeral Home at 1111 University Blvd on 11 January 2025 at 11 am.