Ray Bustamante

Ray Bustamante

Feb. 21, 1954 — April 10, 2009

MONTROSE — Ray Bustamante, age 55, of Montrose, passed away Tuesday afternoon April 7, 2009, at his home from complications due to diabetes.

Ray was born Feb. 21, 1954 in Austin, Colo. to Benny and Maria (Valdez) Bustamante. Ray spent his childhood in and around the Austin and Delta areas, graduating from Delta High School in 1973. Ray married Malba Smith in Ridgway, Colo. in 1976. They had two children, Christa and Steve.

Ray worked for Uncompahgre Valley Water Users. Ray was a life long musician, playing for many events. Music gave Ray a special smile and joy in his life. Ray also enjoyed fishing and hunting as well as gardening. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his beautiful granddaughters.

Survivors blessed to share in Ray’s life are his wife, Malba of the family home; a son, Steve Bustamante of Montrose, and a daughter, Christa (Nathan) Cline of Montrose; brother, Gilbert Bustamante of Delta, Colo., as well as four sisters, Stella Nelson of Montrose, Della Bingham of De Beque, Colo., Percy Blum of Delta, Colo., Becky Roberts of Atlanta, Ga. Ray is also survived by two precious granddaughters.

Ray is preceded in death by his father Ben; his mother, Maria; and a brother, Steven.

A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday, April 10, 2009, from 6 to 9 p.m., at Friendship Hall at the Montrose County Fairgrounds in Montrose.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Western Colorado in loving memory of Ray Bustamante, P.O. Box 1804, Montrose, CO 81402.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of Crippin Funeral Home, 802 E. Main St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-2121.