Ramon "Ray" Valdez Lucius

Ramon “Ray” Valdez Lucius, 74, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, died unexpectedly on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, Colorado following an accident.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 26, 2022, at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Scottsbluff with Fr. Joseph Thambi as Celebrant. The Rosary will be recited beginning at 10:30 a.m.  Cremation will follow the service in accordance with Ramon’s wishes. Memorials may be made in care of the family.  The mass will be livestreamed and recorded to Ramon’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Ramon was born on Christmas Eve 1947, to Tomas Jr. and Martina (Valdez) Lucius in Post, Texas. His family migrated from Texas to Nebraska working in the fields. He moved to Scottsbluff at age seventeen with his older siblings and called it home. Ramon met Teresa and together they welcomed their two daughters, Ramona and Martina.

He made a living early on working in the oil fields and building bridges.  Ramon was also employed at Flannery’s packing plant for several years. He later worked at Gary’s Cleaning and Restoration for 25 years. He eventually decided to go out on his own and started The Valley Handy Man.  He retired at the age of 65, however, he couldn’t put his tools down and continued with his passion of carpentry until the time of his death.

He played baseball, basketball, was a boxer, and a softball coach in his younger years.  Ramon was an avid poker player. This was a hobby he also passed on to his children and grandchildren. Family gatherings often ended in card games, and for the last couple years he enjoyed traveling to tournaments with his brother, Anthony, and nephew, Daniel.  He began teaching his trade of carpentry when his grandsons were born and as they grew older, he enjoyed taking them to work and letting them help.  His first and only granddaughter, Avaiah Olivia, won his heart at first glance when she was born.

Ramon enjoyed camping with his grandchildren and fishing, even if it meant untangling their lines over and over. He was a diehard Nebraska Cornhusker fan, and he also enjoyed cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs. He found joy in poking fun at his buddies who loved the Broncos.  He was one heck of a pool player and participated in many leagues over the years.

Ramon had a big heart and cared about everyone who was around him. He was known to give the most genuine, heartfelt hug that let you know how much you were loved. Many looked up to him as a father figure.  He would put others before himself and lend a nonjudgmental ear. He was a dedicated father and grandfather who would do anything for his daughters and grandchildren. Ramon had a stern look on his face that intimidated many, but once he smiled, it would light the whole room.

We will miss you, Dad.

Survivors include his daughters, Ramona Lucius-Gonzalis and Martina (Chris Martinez) Lucius; stepmother, Eloisa Lucius; siblings, Stella Ysac, Sophie (Danny) Martinez, Hank (Cathy) Lucius, Joann (Leo) Rowland, Danny (Joyce) Delgado, Yolanda (Herb) Carter, David Lucius, Fred (Dora) Lucius, Anthony (Maryann) Quijas, Sarah (Cory) Henderson, Jamie (Rosie) Lucius, Frank (Tammy) Lucius, Arthur (Crystal) Lucius, and Joey (Mira) Lucius; grandchildren, Tristan Lucius, Adyn Flores, Kailor Lucius, Jaxson Martinez, Carson Lucius, and Avaiah Martinez;  along with numerous nieces and nephews that were all loved.

He was preceded in death by his father, Tomas Lucius; mother, Martina Lucius; sisters, Delfina Paz and Debbie Alvarez; brother, Tomas Lucius III; brother-in-law, Daniel Ysac; and nephew, Frank Ysac.