Raul "Roy" Flores

Raul “Roy” Flores

Roswell resident, Raul “Roy” Flores, is reunited with his wife Tonita, as he peacefully slipped into heaven on June 1, 2021 while surrounded by family. He was 89 years old.

Roy was born to Ventura and Mariano Flores, on September 9, 1931, in Roswell. He attended Roswell public schools and was often found outdoors, camping and fishing. Later, Roy worked as a dock man for Budweiser, Coca-Cola, and 7up and in 1955, he welcomed his first baby girl, Debra, with partner, Helen Gonzales.

Roy went on to marry Tonita Benavidez in 1961, and 1967, the family moved to California where they spent 26 years, before returning home after Roy retired as a dock man, from Consolidated Freightways, in 1994. Back in Roswell, Roy worked another 14 years, where he proudly attended gas at Texaco, Allsup’s, and Ray Bell. He too, served as a lumber yard guard at Roswell Lumber.

Roy found solace in adventures with his family; from California to West Virginia, and all the places in between, he traveled the country until his last days. He enjoyed trips to “Texas,” which really meant Ruidoso Downs, where he found great pleasure at the horse races. Roy loved eating tacos at his favorite restaurant, La Escondida Cafe, Classic Westerns, and storytelling. Saturday mornings were spent pickin’ around yard sales and he was the best shower singer; he loved many types of music. If you ask his family, they’d surely say, that of all he was passionate about, his favorite thing to do, was spend time with his loved ones.

Roy’s commitment to his family, represented a tender strength and immense courage, as he took every opportunity to create the best memories for those he loved. He selflessly took care of his wife of 52 years, until her passing in 2012, and cherished her memory until their recent reunion. He truly lived life as a fearless trailblazer, striving only to be great man. And to all of us, he was so much more than that.

Roy will be lovingly remembered by his children, Debra Luera and husband Charlie, and her children, Michelle, Manual, and Lisa and her older brother, Robert Gonzales. Jennifer Flores, and children, Raul, Victoria, Deanna and Chance, Orlando Flores and wife Lisa, and children, Ryan, and Skye. Grandson, Roy Flores III. Son in law, John Garcia, and children, Mario, Joseph, Crystal and Chelsea, and daughter in law, Elsa Bravo, and children Dennison, Mark, and Thomas. Sisters, Euladia, and husband Omero Ledezma, and Velia, and husband Nick Aguilar. Roy was blessed with 31 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren.

Preceding Roy in death were his parents, Ventura and Mariano, his wife, Tonita, his children, Linda, Roy Jr., and Joseph, his bothers, Andres, Joseph, Julio, and Mariano, his sisters, Delphina, Lupe, Mary, Sophie, and Victoria. As well as his son in law, Raul Robledo Jr. and his great grandson, Arik Rodriguez.

Serving as pallbearers are grandsons, Manuel Munoz II, Raul Robledo II, Roy Flores III, Dennison Bravo, Mark Flores, Chance Robledo, and Ryan Gonzalez.

Those wishing to honor Roy’s lifelong commitment to loving his family, are encouraged to moved forward, taking with them an open mind and a caring soul, as the compassion Roy showed was unconditional and without hesitation.

Roy’s tribute was written by his granddaughter, Deanna Robledo Linden.

Visitation will be held from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. Monday, June 21, 2021 at Ballard Funeral Home Chapel with a rosary to follow. Mass will be held at 10:00 am, Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at St. Peters Catholic Church with burial to follow at South Park Cemetery.

A reception will be held at Church on the Move, at 901 W Brasher Rd, June 22, 2021, following interment, where we invite family and friends to join us for lunch, as we celebrate the beautiful life that Roy lived.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Ballard Funeral Home, St. Peter Church, South Park Cemetery, Church on the Move, for their professional and caring efforts in our time of need.