Ricardo Cardenas

Beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend, Ricardo Cardenas, lost his courageous battle with cancer on February 14, 2008. He was a life long resident of El Paso, born to Jesus and Carmen Cardenas on January 23, 1948. He graduated from Austin High School where he met Nellie, his wife of 37 years. Together they built a wonderful home for their four daughters. Rick served in the US Army but made his career of 35 years with Union Pacific Railroad as a carman. He is preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by wife Nellie and daughters, Melissa (Steve) Marsic, Annette, Valerie Ann, and Jenna Marie. He is also survived by grandson Matthew John and granddaughter Elizabeth Caroline, whom he adored with all his heart. He leaves behind sisters Edna (Refugio) Partida, Lydia (Raul) Valdez, Martha (Manny) Mendoza and brother Jesus (Alicia) Cardenas. Pallbearers will be Raul Valdez, Michael Mendoza, Adam Cardenas, David Partida, J.D. Partida, and Steve Marsic. Honorary Pallbearers are Nolan Richardson and Armando Fraire. The Cardenas Family would like to thank Sergio Juarez with Choice Home Nurses; Andy, Jo Jo, C.C., and Amelia with La Mariposa Hospice, Dr. T. Reed, Dr. P. Vallilis and all their staff at the Cancer Treatment Center, and Nolan Richardson and Linda Zaneski for all their selfless support. Visitation will be held at St. Raphael Catholic Church from 5 to 9 pm on Monday, February 18, 2008. Vigil service will begin at 7pm on Monday evening. Funeral mass will begin at 11:30 am at St. Raphael Church, Tuesday February 19, 2008. Interment will follow at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Yvonne Richardson Memorial Foundation 11057 Vista Del Sol El Paso, Texas 79935.