ANAYA, Ramon L.

Arizona Silver Belt, Globe, Arizona, Tuesday, February 24, 2015 Ramon L. Anaya was born May 12, 1924, in Gleeson, Ariz., where along with his two brothers, Cristobal and Robert, were allowed to run around the countryside, barefoot, wild and free, running errands for the locals and causing lots of mischief. During his teenage years, he became handy at re-building cars (jalopies) from scraps and spare parts. During World War II, he joined the Army, where he was stationed in Maine, Newfoundland, and the Azores Islands. In 1945, Ramon married Rita Gonzales, and together they had five children: Angel, Danny, Patsy, Tony and Paul. He moved his family to Superior, Ariz,, where he began a 35 year career as an underground miner at Magma Copper Mine. Ramon’s claim to fame came in 1948, as both he and Cristobal were both casted as the attacking Indians, in the John Wayne movie, “Red River.” Ramon later met and began dating Susie Lavin; they married in 1970 and moved to Susie’s family place, commonly referred to as “Lavin’s Arena.” This added Susie’s six children: Paul, Frank, Adelita, Margaret, Johnny and Joe Lavin to his family. Ramon and Susie enjoyed 34 years of marriage, until her death in 2004. Ramon loved being a cowboy, and over the years he never failed to show when help was needed. He regularly assisted family: Johnny Lavin at the C spear Ranch, Margaret and Pete Sanford at the Pitchfork Ranch, and Joe Lavin on contract gathers and at the Rafter Cross Ranch. He was a member of the Globe Sheriff’s Posse for many years, and he and Susie were named Grand Marshal of the Globe Annual PRCA Rodeo Parade in 2003. The tradition of Grandma Susie and her feisty husband, Ramon, his hard work and roping on his favorite mount, Chivo, are still a fond memory for many. After Susie passed, Ramon lived out a full life at their home at Lavin’s Arena. Ramon Anaya was preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his children, Rita Gonzales; his beloved wife and soul mate, Susie Lavin Anaya; daughter, Adelita Jones and granddaughter, Londa Lavin. Left behind in loving memory are his five children: Angel Anaya, Danny Anaya, Patsy Anaya, Tony Anaya, and Paul Anaya; five step-children, Paul Lavin, Frank Lavin, Margaret Sanford, Johnny Lavin and Joe Lavin; 27 grandchildren; 43 great-grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren. The family was assisted by Bulman Miles Funeral Home, Globe. Online guestbook at www.bulmanmiles.com.