Raul C. Ballesteros

Raul C. Ballesteros, 72, earned his wings on February 24, 2022. He is preceded on death by his Father; Raul Ballesteros Sr. Son; Brian Ballesteros, and Brothers in law: Luis Martinez, Ray Jauregui, father-in-law; Ramon Jauregui. Raul is survived by his Wife: Sandra Ballesteros; Son: Raul Ballesteros III; Brothers: George (Rosalina) and Rene Ballesteros; Sisters: Cecilia Maez (Gilbert), Priscilla Higuera (Jose Higuera), Hope Peralta (Ray Peralta), Lori Ballesteros and Tina Naugle (John); Mother: Carmen Ballesteros, mother-in-law Maria Jauregui; Grandchildren: Riana and Zabian; Daughter in law: Michelle Ballesteros; Brother-in-law: Raul; Sisters-in-law: Alicia(Ray), Margarita(Jim), Cecilia(Ruben) and Ruth(Les); and many nieces and nephews.

Raul was born and raised in Tucson AZ on NOV. 22, 1949. He was loved by everyone he touched. He was a good mentor to many and a true cowboy to the end. Raul was a Sheet Metal Apprentice Instructor at Pima Community College. Raul was a Sheet Metal worker where he helped built the Bio-Spear, Tucson community Center, Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church, UMC, Banner and many more job site.

In 2007 Raul was diagnosis with a severe lung infection. He was number 116 to receive a transplant.  He received by the grace of God his Double Lung Transplant in Nov 13, 2010. He was in a coma twice for 30-days and he pulled through like real Cowboy he was. Raul was told that the quality of a lung transplant would only be for 5-years, he lived for 12-years. Raul's Saturday was at the Cisco Ranch where he loved to ride his horse and enjoy the view and most of all the cookouts and his cold bottle of Bud-Light.

His pride and joy was his son Brian.  He enjoyed Brian's singing and playing his violin and going to his performance. Raul was Brian's number One fan. Raul also enjoyed his granddaughter Riana performance with Ballet Folklorico.

I just want to share one of the most beautiful memories I had with Raul.  After his lung transplant, we went to the Cisco Rancho for the first time with his new lungs.  We slept on the back of our truck, of course Riana was little and was sleeping between us.  We were staring at the beauty of the stars. Raul’s tears were running down his face, holding my hand across Reina, he told me he loved me, and he never thought he would be at the ranch, staring at the stars with us.  We both cried and I have locked this in my heart forever.  Sandra J. Ballesteros 

 The Ballesteros family wishes thank "Sofia" for her Lungs that are now going to rest. The family wishes to express their gratitude and thanks to Banner hospital all the Nurses and staff. A special thanks to Romana Coelho-Anderson, who was with us during his Lung Transplant in 2007, Romana always stayed on top of Raul medical care until the day he, passed away. Raul saddled up on 02/24/2022 to be with our Good Lord. Brian was waiting for him, singing, and playing his violin to welcome Raul home.

Pallbearers will be: Riana Ballesteros

George Ballesteros, Sr.

George Ballesteros, Jr.

Rene Ballesteros, Sr. Rene Ballesteros, Jr.

Luis Martinez

Jesse Martinez Les Lespron

ieces and nephews. Raul may be physically gone but he will live on in the hearts and memories of all those he touched in life.