Jesus V. Ayala
Ayala, 80
Jesus V. Ayala, 80, of Cotulla, died on April 22, 2024 following a short battle with cancer. He was born on May 1, 1943 in Cotulla to Luis and Florencia Valle Ayala,
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Amador, Jose and Gustavo Ayala, daughter Eva A. Patino and baby sister Eva Ayala.
Jesus is survived by his wife of 41 years Amelia Ayala, sons Jesus Ayala Jr. (Christina), Danny Ayala (Sandra), Jesse Lee Ayala (Sabrina), Sam Ramirez (Keisha), Gus Ramirez (Dominique), grandchildren Esmeralda Hellstrom (Phillip), Leo Patino Jr. (Rosie), Austin Patino, Vanessa Nieves (Jesus), Jesus Ayala Jr., Kevin Ayala, Leslie Ayala, Noah Ayala, Alexa Ayala, Savannah Ramirez, Raeven Ramirez, and Jaxx Ramirez, great-grandchildren Jairo Benitez Jr., Clarissa Benitez, Isabella Benitez and Eva Patino, son-in-law Leo Patino Sr., brothers Luis Allala (Yolanda), Martin Ayala (Deanna), Isaac De Los Santos (Belen), Alfredo Gonzalez (Elsa). As well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Jesus was born and spent his childhood in Cotulla. At 17, he moved to Des Plaines, Illinois and spent the next 42 years working installing underground sprinklers with his brothers and also doing landscaping and construction.
In 1966, he became a father to his only daughter, Eva followed by his oldest son Jesus in 1969 and Danny in 1977.
Throughout the years he became a migrant worker and would spend the winter months in Cotulla.
He met his future wife Amelia in 1982 and her two sons, Sam and Gus Ramirez, whom he considered his sons. His youngest son, Jesse Lee was born in 1986.
Jesus retired in 2005 and moved back to Cotulla permanently. He spent his days on the ranch with family and friends and enjoyed fishing, horseback riding, deer hunting, catching rattlesnakes and caring for his plants.
Known for his humor, Jesus also enjoyed all animals, especially his lifelong companion Bear.
Visitation was held on Friday, April 26 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Peters Funeral Home in Cotulla. A Rosary was held at 7 p.m. Funeral services were at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 27 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Cotulla. Burial followed at the Cotulla East Cemetery.
Pallbearers included Jesus Ayala Jr, Danny Ayala, Jesse Lee Ayala, Leo Patino JR., Alfredo Gonzalez, Leo Patino Sr.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Peters Funeral Home, Cotulla.
