Rodolfo L."Rudy" Ayala

Rodolfo L. Ayala , 86, of Aurora, passed away January 31, 2020.

He was born December 15, 1933 in McAllen, Texas, the son of Gonzalo and Virginia (Salinas) Ayala. He was a graduate of McAllen High School.

Rodolfo honorably served in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War and was discharged as an Airman Second Class in 1956. He received the National Defense Service Medal and Good Conduct Medal during his service.

On April 27, 1958 he married Henrietta Romero.

Rodolfo was a member of Disabled American Veterans.

In his younger years, he was a champion softball player. Rodolfo was an excellent artist, having attended an art school when he was younger. He particularly excelled at painting and sketching. In his younger years, he was very handy. He built an overhead deck, driveway and cement back patio at their former house on Cimarron.

Rodolfo loved fishing and hunting. He enjoyed hiking. He was an avid Denver Broncos fan and had season tickets for years, starting in 1968. He also enjoyed both basketball and baseball. He enjoyed flower gardening with Henrietta. Rodolfo loved to bird watch and he would watch intently for Benny, his squirrel nemesis. He loved animals and his four-legged grandchildren. Rodolfo was an avid reader, reading the newspaper every day and also his Sports Illustrated. He was very good at math, being able to calculate everything by hand or in his head. Rodolfo was a good storyteller and loved to play pool. He loved family get-togethers and often would play poker all night. He worked hard to take care of the children who were at home and his wife, whom he adored.

Rodolfo is survived by Son, Rudy (Phyllis) Ayala; Step-Son, Johnny Lee Quezada; Step-Daughter, Annette (Jim Andrews) Quezada-Andrews; Two step-grandchildren, Kelly Espinoza, Kimberly Espinoza; Two Step-Great-Grandchildren, Mariah Espinoza, Samantha Espinoza; One Sister, Yolanda.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Henrietta Romero Ayala; father, Gonzalo Ayala, Jr.; mother, Virginia Ayala, his twin brother, Raul Ayala, and sister, Mary.

Memorial contributions may be made in Rodolfo's name to the Disabled American Veterans, 8720 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220.

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