On Feb. 16, 2024, after a short illness, Jose Maria Aragonez Granados stood before the judgment seat of Almighty God. Jose was born as the third child of Andres Aragonez and Bernabe Granados on Dec. 9, 1937, in Gomez Farias in the state of Chihuahua, Republic of Mexico.
As a youth, there was instilled in Jose a love of his parents and of his country. He learned hard working skills on his parents’ farm. Once he attained the necessary skills, he qualified for entry into the United States under the Bracero program for workers helping farmers in the production and harvest of row crops that required hard by-hand labor.
After several entries into the United States, Jose qualified for a Green Card by which he was allowed permanent residence in the United States. It was during his permanent residence that he met and subsequently married Refugio Ruybal and together they enjoyed a happy and long life. Jose was very kind to his wife, very protective of her, a hard worker, a very gentle man.
During his lifetime, he was employed by the Quinlan Ranches as a caretaker of their huge property in Monte Vista. After several years of this employment that ended when the ranch was sold. Jose then worked at the Alamosa Mushroom Farm until his retirement. He and his wife enjoyed their long retirement and happy life together.
An event of which Jose was extremely proud was the day he was naturalized a citizen of the United States with full privileges in a ceremony on Jan. 23, 1997, before the Honorable Judge Robert Ogburn at the Alamosa Courthouse. Until his death, Jose lived an exemplary life, proud of the fact that he was a United States citizen.
Jose was preceded in death by his parents, numerous relatives in Mexico and by his wife of many years, Refugio Ruybal Aragonez.
His body was transferred to his homeland in Mexico for a Mass of the Resurrection and a proper burial. A memorial Mass will be celebrated at a later date.
Rogers Family Mortuary is in the care of the arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes, and words of comfort for Jose’s family, please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.
