Ronald Ray Bean

Ronald Ray Bean, 71, of Tijeras, NM passed away February 5, 2018 after a brief illness.

Ron was born in Santa Paula, CA, to parents, Harold and Barbara Croom Bean. His early years were spent in Granite City, IL moving to southern California at the age of 10. He graduated in 1964 from Arroyo High School in El Monte, CA. Ron later went on to study air conditioning and refrigeration at Los Angeles Trade Tech. He completed his apprenticeship becoming a journeyman working in that industry. Ron was a proud active member of the UA ACR local #250 in Los Angeles for almost 30 years working throughout southern California and then later in New Mexico. Ron and Zella, his wife of 41 years raised two children, Michael Bean and Kathryn (Katie) Bean Ramirez in San Dimas, CA, moving to Tijeras, NM in 1991.

Ron was blessed with three grandchildren, Makayla Raye, Kaylei Marie and Brayden Chase. He is also survived by his sister, Karen Bean Hite; his uncle, Lloyd Croom; as well as many other family members. Ron loved family camping, fishing and hunting trips. Ron and Zella had the pleasure of traveling throughout the country in their RV while attending NHRA Drag Races, one of his loves. He had an avid interest in cars, specifically Oldsmobiles. He built his first one with his father at the age of 14. He recently completed a 12 years project of rebuilding a 1966 Oldsmobile 442 that he showed with pride in car shows winning various awards. He was proud of his accomplishments, his family and his Irish heritage. His favorite Irish toast was " May you be in Heaven a half hour before the devil knows your dead".

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ron Bean’s honor to The American Lung Association of NM, 5911 Jefferson St NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. NMInfo@Lungs.org.