On February 18, 1943 the McGuire family had a big surprise, an unexpected twin made his arrival to Jean and Della McGuire in Altus, Oklahoma. At age 2 ½, the family moved to Arrey, New Mexico where they farmed, raised a huge garden, and milked cows. Ronald Dean McGuire graduated from Hot Springs High School in 1961 and was a member of the High Point team at the New Mexico FFA Land Judging contest. Ronald married Mary Louise Webb on September 4, 1965 and together they raised their two children in Hatch, NM and later in Carlsbad, NM. Ronald’s family was everything to him and especially once his grandchildren arrived. They called him Papa and what an awesome Papa he was. He and Mary attended every ball game, and dance recital for not only their grandkids but also their great nieces and nephew. When he wasn’t playing with the Grands, Ronald worked for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for 38 years, ending his career as an engineer on the mainline between Clovis and Belen, New Mexico. Ronald had a special love for the outdoors, he loved to fish at Caballo Lake and go four-wheeling in the mountains all around New Mexico. He enjoyed four-wheeling or fishing the most when family or friends could go with him and there was always a little friendly competition to see who could catch the most fish! Ronald and Mary met at a dance and in recent years traveled all over West Texas to attend dances where they made many friends and shared a lot of laughter, good food and good music.

As any and all who knew him, Ronald had the biggest heart of anyone you’ve ever met and was willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. So, we’re sure that’s why his giving heart had been over worked. He passed away suddenly at the age of 81 on Thursday, March 28 after a heart attack, with his entire family and loved ones by his side.

Ronald is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary McGuire, children Stacy McGuire (Susan) and Danette McGuire (Mark Gainer), grandchildren Trent McGuire, Morgan Vega (Sabas) and Ryan McGuire (Gabby); great grandchildren Jonas and Wyatt Vega and his twin, Robert McGuire (Linda Locklar) along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Jean McGuire; his mother Della McGuire, two sisters Margaret Riggs and Eileen Wilkinson.

Pallbearers will be Stacy McGuire, Ryan McGuire, Casey McGuire, Cody McGuire, Cole McGuire and Brian Wilkinson. Honorary Pallbearers include Robert McGuire, Dennis Riggs, Clinton Wilkinson, Jerry Berridge, Dave LaBarge, Jonas Vega, and Wyatt Vega.

Services will be held on Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 10:00AM at the First Baptist Church (421 Franklin St in Hatch NM) with burial to follow at the Garden of Memories Cemetery in Hatch. A reception will be held at the First Baptist Church following the services.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Winston 4-H Club, c/o Sierra County CES, 2101 S. Broadway, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901 or to Hot Springs FFA Chapter, 1801 N Pershing St, Truth or Consequences, NM 87901.