RICHARD HOUGHTALING, also known as Ralph, 46, a resident of Vado, NM, passed away surrounded by love, leaving behind family and friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. He was a man who touched many lives with his kindness, his heart, and the love he gave so freely to the people around him.

Richard was a loving son of Yolanda and her partner, Saul and Johnny Ray. He shared a special bond with his mother, Yolanda. Their connection was strong and filled with deep love and respect. He also adored his grandmother, Joaquina, who meant the world to him. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Cecilio, and his uncle Richard, whose memory he carried with him throughout his life.

Richard was a proud and loving father to his children, Joseph, Joey, Briana, Alejandro, Xavier, and David. His children were an important part of his life, and his love for them was something he carried in his heart every day.

He also shared a special bond with his baby sister, Lisa, and held a deep love for all of his nieces and nephews and two great nephews. Richard is also lovingly remembered by his aunts, Bertha and her partner Oscar, Hortencia and her husband Ramiro, his uncles, Cecilio Jr. and his wife, Lizzett and Hector and wife Martha whom are also his Godparents, and his paternal grandmother, Corina. Family meant everything to Richard, and he always kept them close to his heart.

To those who knew him, Richard was someone who could bring comfort just by being there. He was a best friend to all, always ready to listen, laugh, and stand beside the people he cared about. He loved to fish and found peace out on the water. He also loved to cook, especially grilling chuletas, and took pride in sharing meals with the people he loved.

Richard had a generous heart and a deep compassion for others. He was known to help the homeless whenever he could—feeding them if he had the money and sometimes even giving his last dollar. He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt off his back without hesitation.

In his final days, he was not alone. Those who loved him were by his side, speaking to him, comforting him, and letting him know it was okay to rest. He was surrounded by love as he made his journey home. Though his time here felt far too short, his life made a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. It is often said that God takes the best, and Richard was truly one of them. He will be deeply missed, always loved, and never forgotten.

The family asks that you keep Richard and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

The Family would also like to extend a very special thank you to all the Staff at Memorial Medical Center and La Posada- Mesilla Valley Hospice for the love and tender care given to Richard.

Visitation for Richard will begin at 5:30 PM Monday, April 27, 2026, at Baca's Funeral Chapel, 300 E. Boutz Road with the Holy Rosary at 7 PM, followed by the Liturgy of the Word at 7:30 PM. Cremation will take place and Inurnment of cremains will take place at a later date.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca's Funeral Chapel of Las Cruces and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 527-2222. Your exclusive provider for "Veterans and Family Memorial Care." For online condolences logon to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com