Joseph R. Benavidez

Joseph Ray Benavidez, 72, of Greeley, CO passed away September 2, 2011 at Hospice of Palliative Care of Greeley, CO. He was born February 2, 1939 in Greeley to John Cristobal and Mary Arguello Benavidez. Joe grew up in Greeley. On April 8, 1958, he married the love of his life, Mary "Martha” Moralez. Joe was employed by Allen V. Smith for seven years, and then he was employed by Monfort of Colorado Packing Plant for fourteen years, until he left to run his own business. He opened up the Union Hall Bar on North Ninth Avenue which he ran for eight years; he then opened the Re-Union Bar in Garden City. After selling the Re-Union, he worked in Real Estate, being an agent for Keller-Williams and then Real Estate Connections until his health forced him to retire. Joe was the type of person that would help anyone in need, he was well known to all and a good friend to many. He considered Joe Gonzalez and Rob Martinez as his two best friends. In his lifetime he enjoyed bowling, playing pool, and he was a member of a pool league until health reasons forced h im to retire. He also enjoyed watching sports and even some soap operas on television. He was a fan of the Broncos, Nuggets, Avalanche, and One Life to Live. He was loved very much by his family and friends and will be greatly missed. He and Martha opened up their hearts and home to many and had many people stay with them if they needed help. Joe is survived by his wife, Martha; and his children, Jo Ann (Auggie) Maes, Joyce (Val) Perez, Mary Jo Clement, Renita Benavidez, Mary Jo Benavidez, Joseph Ray "Joe Ray” (Lisa) Benavidez Jr. and Adrian Medina; 17 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; brothers, Jose B (Eloisa) and Johnny "Spider” Benavidez; three sisters, Antonia, Rosie and Florinda; and his two favorite aunts, Dolores Quintana and Betty Castanuela. He was preceded in death by his parents; and one son; Steven Ray Perez; and three brothers, Victor, Daniel and Navarro, Visitation 5-7p.m. Wednesday, September 7, 2011 followed by Recitation of the Rosary at 7p.m. both at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial 10:00a.m., Thursday, September 8, 2011 at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 1311 3rd Street, Greeley.