Rudy Rodriguez, 81, January 5, 1944 - May 28, 2025 of Grants, New Mexico, passed away on May 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family, at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center in Rio Rancho, New Mexico.
Born in Utah in 1944 to Vianes and Cordelia Rodriguez. Rudy lived a life filled with dedication to his family, community and the outdoors.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jose Vianes Rodriguez and Cordelia Rodriguez, and his brother Dennis Rodriguez.
Rudy is survived by his loving wife, Viola Rodriguez, and his children: Michele Chavez (Cindy) of Texas, Salomon Ramirez (Michelle) of Arizona, Gabriel Ramirez (Brenna) of Grants, NM, Melissa Valdez (Joe) of Grants, NM, and Caitlin Swoboda of Albuquerque, NM. He is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren who brought him immense joy.
He leaves behind his siblings: Laura Martinez of Los Ojos, NM, Margaret Lucero and Gloria Martinez, both of Hatch, NM, Joanne Ortega and Brenda Rodriguez of Milan, NM, and his brother Max Rodriguez of San Jose, CA.
Rudy served his community as a police officer in Albuquerque, NM and later worked in the mining industry until his retirement. Known for his love of hunting, fishing and golfing, Rudy was his happiest outdoors.
His legacy of strength, humor and unwavering love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Services will be held on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at 9:30am at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Grants, NM. A graveside burial will follow at Grants Memorial Park Cemetery. The family thanks the medical staff at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center, (Especially Mya Swoboda), The Roots Crew, and Tiffany Oryear (Nurse) and Katy Atkins (Respiratory Nurse) for their compassionate care. Also a special thanks to Joanne Ortega and Reina Lucero for always being there for us.