Ramiro E. Gutierrez, 86, passed from this life on September 28, 2011, at The Rose Unit in Abilene, Kan. 

Ramiro was born in Hebbronville, Texas, on December 26, 1924, the son of Eusebio and Virginia (Martinez) Gutierrez. He lived in Edinburg, Texas, and moved to Russell, Kan., in 1968. Ramiro entered the U.S. Army at age 18 and served for four years a medic, earning the rank of colonel. Ramiro often said that he owed his education and professional success to the U.S. military, which helped him earn his high school diploma. Because of the GI Bill, he also studied at Pan American University in Edinburg, Texas, and the Gradwohl School of Medical Technology in St. Louis, Mo. Ramiro met, fell in love and was united in marriage to Elida Guzman on February 27, 1949, in Edinburg, Texas. The couple was blessed with six sons and three daughters.

Ramiro was a very special person and he lived each day with devotion and service to God, family, friends and the infirmed. Many memories of Ramiro will be centered on his kindred spirit, charitable heart, selfless prayers, and the bible study he shared with others. Ramiro was a Medical Technologist at the Russell Regional Hospital from 1968 to 1990, when he retired. He was dedicated to his job and the medical field. He was a proud member and an officer in the American Medical Technologists (AMT) Association, a long-time member of the Knights of Columbus, and parishioner at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife and best friend of 56 years, Elida Guzman Gutierrez; his son, Gilberto Ambrosio; brothers Antonio and Lucio Gutierrez; and sisters Julia Trevino and Emilia Moron and granddaughter Martha Graf. 

Ramiro is survived by his children, Richard (Linda) of Lawrence, Norma (Roger) Peck of Manhattan,  Dalia (Steve) Hale of Wichita, Steve (Monica) of Lawrence, Mario (Karen) of Hays, Teresa (Mark) Graf of Tulsa, Okla., Jerry (Amanda) of Salina, Martin (Shellie) of Towanda; two brothers Romeo Gutierrez of Aransas Pass, TX and Gustavo Gutierrez of Edinburg, TX and 23 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.

A celebration of the funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, October 1, 2011, at St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Russell with Father Charles Steier officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Russell. A vigil service will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 30, 2011, at the church with family present to greet guests from 5 to 6 p.m.  Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, September 30, 2011, at the mortuary. Memorials may be given to the St. Mary Catholic Church in Russell and sent in care of Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell, which is in charge of the funeral service arrangements.