Raymond Ayala Garcia 

April 3,1936 - August 9, 2026 

Born Chandler, AZ - At Rest Madera, CA Our beloved father, Raymond A Garcia, took his last breath in his home in Madera surrounded by family including children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was known to his grandchildren and great grandchildren as Grandpa, Grumpy and Big Tata. He was known to others as Ray, Nino, Tio Ray, Uncle Ray, Compa, Qunado, Pelon, and Ramon. 

Our dad enjoyed going to the casino, helping his son Ray Jr. with various jobs, playing cards, and watching novelas. In his younger years he played the guitar for his family/friends and had sing-a-longs; he could be heard whistling tunes as he worked. At the ranch in Saginaw, he took great pride in keeping a clean field. He would often jump on the tractor right after a long day at the plant. 

Ray was born in Chandler, Arizona on April 3,1934. He was the 7th child in his large family of 11 born to Jesus and Francisco Garcia. In the year 1944 the Garcia and Sigala family moved to Selma, California and they settled in an area called “The Jungle”; they were the first family to settle there. There were many trees in this area which were cut down by the family and used to provide heat and cooking sources as they lived in a large army tent for 8 years. These families as well as the Romeros and Baisas would become great friends and eventually become related to each other. Our dad attended a grammar school called Fruitvale in Selma. It was a K-8 school with multiple grades in each classroom. His formal education ended after a month of high school. He went straight to work. 

Dad married our mom Emily Nicacio also of Selma in February of 1958. They met at a social gathering and soon after were a committed couple. Ray and Emily enjoy dancing at social gatherings and were admired on the dance floor. We, their children, arrived soon after: Monica 1958, Linda 1960 and Ray Jr. 1962. We lived in the “Jungle” for 7 years and then purchased 10 acres on Saginaw where Dad became a farmer who would instill in us the same work ethics he had. He planted almonds when grapes/raisins were abundant. All labor and harvest was produced by the 5 of us and volunteers that would occasionally provide relief. It was hard work that required will power and much strength. Dad experimented with raising beef, pork and chickens to teach and feed us. He was a determined provider. Over the years Dad was employed by Good Year, Firestone, Schoetler Tires, Vendo, Sperry New Holland, Fruehalf and he finally retired from Borga Metal in Fowler. Dad moved to Madera Ranchos to live with his son Ray Jr. and wife Nancy his last 16 years. He enjoyed many special times with their grandchildren playing games. He supplied special treats and lots of early morning love before school started. Dad gardened with them and supervised many shenanigans. Our family will forever remember a father who loved them, taught great work ethics, and good stewardship of property. 

Ray leaves behind children Monica Collins (Keith), Linda Anderson (Dave), Ray Jr Nancy), grandchildren Noel Chavez, Naton Chavez, Johnathan Garcia, Amber Von Flue, Katey Orr and Sonny Bianchi; great grandchildren Lilia, Johnathan Jr, Jackson, Brody, Wyatt, Ella, Priya, Adam, Amelia, Penelope, and Georgia. He was very proud of all his children, grands and greats. He always marveled at how many resemble the Garcia family. Ray is preceded in death by his parents Jesus Ayala Garcia and Francisco Lopez Garcia of Selma, Francisco Jr and Maria of Arizona, other brothers Manuel, Jose, Angel and John; sisters Maria Bojorquez, and Ruth Estrada. His surviving siblings are sisters Dolores Caughthran of Whittier, Alice Dominguez of Fresno, and Frances Carrisosa of Selma, brother Louis Garcia of Fresno. Many nieces, nephews, godchildren, brother in-laws, sister in-laws, cousins, and childhood friends and new friendships made in the Ranchos. 

We, Ray Garcia’s family, would like to thank the rest of the families and friends who came to express their love for our father during his stay at the hospital and his last days at home. Also much gratitude to the Bristol hospice staff Stephanie, Everado, Diana, Yesica, and chaplain Juan whose visits were always a great comfort to our family. They interacted with Dad with much respect and dignity and were instrumental in Dad’s care. We will always be forever grateful. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a local trade school or community college.