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Ralph Joseph Gutierrez, age 89, passed away at his home on Monday, March 14, 2011. He was born October 24th, 1921, in Las Cruces, New Mexico to Jesus and Aurora Gutierrez. He met his wife Jean Breakiron while they were both in the Army during WWII and they were married in 1946. Earlier, Ralph's father established the Valley Drug Store in Las Cruces, which was located across the street from St. Genevieve's Church. After his father retired Ralph moved the drug store down the street to the corner of Main and Amador where My Brothers Place Restaurant now stands and established City Drug Store. In 1981 Ralph moved his pharmacy to Telshor and opened Medical Center Pharmacy where he retired and sold the Pharmacy in 1995. Ralph served in the U.S. Army Reserves where he retired in the 60's. He achieved the rank of Major in the Intelligence Branch. He was a devoted member of The Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Las Cruces. Ralph humbly received several awards throughout his life including the New Mexico Pharmaceutical Association's Bowl of Hygeia Award in 1983 and the University of New Mexico, Distinguished Alumni Award, College of Pharmacy in 1986. Ralph was named to the Democratic Party of New Mexico's 2nd Congressional District's Hall of Fame in 1990. Nationally, both A.H. Robbins and Merck, Sharp, & Dohme honored Ralph with Outstanding Achievements in Pharmacy Awards. Ralph served on The Board of Directors at Memorial Medical Center and The Bank of the Rio Grande, as well as the New Mexico Board of Pharmacy. He was instrumental in helping to establish two financial institutions in Las Cruces. Ralph was chosen as President of the New Mexico Pharmaceutical Association in 1961. He was selected as the Chairman of the Board of Memorial Medical Center from June 1991 June 1995.. He was respected for this innovation, grace, humilty and leadership by many groups. While Ralph was in his late 70's and early 80's he lobbied the New Mexico State Legislature to develop Health Clinics in the poorest areas of New Mexico. He was successful after eight years of lobbying to help develop two health clinics in southern Dona Ana County. Ralph's success in life was because he was a giving, unselfish man. Ralph is survived by his brother Edward Gutierrez (Mary Sue); sons Tom Gutierrez (Rebecca Vigil), John Gutierrez, and Jamie Gutierrez (Renee); his daughters Jeana Gutierrez (Jim Laws) and New Mexico State Representative Joni Gutierrez (Lowell Catlett); grandchildren, Michelle Gutierrez (Mark Lawrence), Sarah Schwarz (Greg), Jennifer Fernandez, Patrick Gutierrez, Tai Hart (Patrick) and Nicole Reeves. Nieces include Madelyn Gutierrez, Janet Wolfe and Laura Gutierrez Spencer and nephew Mark Gutierrez. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Gutierrez in 2002; his sons Jeffrie Gutierrez in 1953 and Steve Gutierrez in 1993 and his sister Maria Spencer in 1992. Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7:00 pm, Thursday, March 31, 2011 at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church on Lomas Blvd., N.E. between Louisiana, N.E. and Wyoming, N.E. Interment of his ashes has taken place at The Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary, 1240 S. Espina in Las Cruces. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to The Cathedral of Immaculate Heart of Mary BUILDING FUND, 1240 S. Espina, Las Cruces, NM 88001 (which Ralph was passionate about). GETZ FUNERAL HOME, 1410 E. BOWMAN AVE. LAS CRUCES, New Mexico 88001, 575-526-2419 was in charge of arrangements. To sign the online guestbook go to www.GetzCares.com
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