Rafael Reyes Ortiz was born on June 27, 1961 in Tijuana, Mexico. He passed away on October 30, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona at the age of 60.

As a child, his family moved to San Diego. In 1980 he graduated from Montgomery High School and shortly after graduation he met his Lord Jesus Christ, and as a result, he decided to become a missionary and moved to Arizona. A couple months later he landed in Blythe, California where he met the love of his life, Cecilia. They were married the following year and during their 40 years together, they raised their seven children and helped raise their nine grandchildren.

Rafael devoted almost 30 years to the Palo Verde Unified School District. Rafael was a very devoted husband, father, in-law, son, brother, uncle and his most cherished titled, Tata. He also fathered students he worked with due to his love for the Lord. Rafael also enjoyed many other things such as basketball, baseball, football, soccer, and wrestling. His favorite hobby was reading the Bible and preaching God's Word. Rafael will forever be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by the love of his life Cecilia, his two daughters, Jessica (Eduardo) and Cecilia (Javier), his five sons, Jesse(Crystal), Rafael Jr (Marina), Joey (Stephanie), Diego (Kianna), and Miguel (Brandi), his mother Concepcion Jimenez, his four brothers and three sisters Jose Luis, Tony, David (Evette), Vidal, Silvia (Francisco) , Norma (Armando) and Maribel (Jimmy). His nine grandchildren, Natalie, Elise, Christian, Sienna, Cyris, Jesse Jr, Destiny, Audri, and Sophia and also many aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his fathers, Jose Ybarra Ortiz and Vidal Jimenez and his brother Augustine Ortiz.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Dec. 2nd from 5-8:00 p.m. and funeral service will be Friday, Dec. 3rd at 10:00 a.m.  All services will be held at Frye Chapel.  Burial will follow immediately after the funeral at Palo Verde Cemetery.