Ryan Pemble

Long-time Belen High School teacher, Ryan Pemble, passed away suddenly of unexplained causes, on Tuesday, October 13, 2020. Due to the current situation, services are limited to family and very close friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Valencia County Fair Grounds, November 1, 2020, 5:00-7:00pm. This is a community event so everyone who knew Ryan can find comfort in being with his family. Bring a lawn chair and picnic dinner. Listen to music and share your stories.

Ryan just celebrated his 50th birthday with his family. Ryan was born August 31, 1970 in Grants, New Mexico, where he grew up with his younger brother and cousins. A 1988 graduate of Grants High School, Ryan went on to the University of New Mexico to earn a bachelor’s in biology and a master’s in Special Ed. In 1996 Ryan moved to Belen, N.M., where he began his teaching career at Belen High School. Ryan started as a special ed teacher, later he taught math and served as department chair. Ryan recently began his 24th year of teaching.

Ryan was not just known for teaching a couple generations of students, he was known as a talented musician playing his guitar and singing in a band or at a solo gig. He could be found hosting and taking part in open mic nights throughout the community and the high school.

Ryan is survived by his son: Josiah Pemble; parents: Ernie and Cheryl Pemble; brother: Brandon Pemble and wife Rosa Armijo-Pemble; nephew: Korbyn; and niece: Jastin Armijo-Pemble.

Ryan was preceded in death by nephew: Devin Armijo-Pemble; maternal grandparents: Bob and Peggy Parsons; and parental grandparents: Kenneth and Betty Pemble.