Raymond N. Samora

RAYMOND NONATO SAMORA Memorial Mass will be held for Raymond N. Samora, a lifelong resident of Cortez, at 10 a.m. on Thursday, January 5 at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church with Father Pat Valdez, C.R. officiating. Rosary services will be held Wednesday evening beginning at 6 p.m. at the Catholic Church. Raymond was born one of seven children to Jose Jesus and Adelia M. (Vialpando) Samora on July 22, 1945 in Cortez. He passed away at his Cortez home with all of his family by his side on Saturday, December 31, 2011 at the age of 66. A member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Raymond also held membership in the Elks. Dedicated to rodeo, roping and horses, Raymond was part of the committee breaking ground and constructing the indoor arena at the fairgrounds. He was President of junior rodeo's Honor Guard, ran R&J Ropings for many years, and loved going to Bear Creek to ride the trails with Johnny Francisco. Raymond is survived by three daughters, Veronica Annette Hicks and husband, Hank, Melinda Kay Neighbors and husband, Ed and Melissa Raylene Applin and husband, Rick all of Cortez; seven grandchildren, Justin Samora, Katelyn Samora, Wyatt Applin, Tandy Lindsay, Morgan Warren and husband, James, Savannah Simmons and Shanya Neighbors; and by three great granddaughters, Jayni Philpott, Ember Philpott and Serenily Warren. Also surviving Raymond are all of his six brothers and sisters, Eloy Vialpando, Johnnie Samora, Benny Samora, Tommy Samora, Pressie Gustamantes, and Cordie Jaramillo all of Cortez; his lifelong friend, Eleanor Love of Payson, Ariz.; his best friend and faithful dog, Rosie; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Raymond was preceded in death by his parents, Jose and Adelia Samora; and Raymond's grandfather that raised him, Jose Trinidad Samora.