Ricardo Ayala Matus, age 81, of Seligman AZ died peacefully, surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 23, 2016.He was born in Cananea Sonora Mexico to Ramon and Guadalupe (Ayala) Matus. Ricardo had many friends and had a great sense of humor.In 1966 he married Dina Rampelotto and together made the decision to move to the United States for a better life.He worked as a lineman for a telephone company in Mexico, rancher at the ORO Ranch in Prescott AZ and finally as a bus driver and maintenance for the Seligman Unified School District until his retirement in 1999.He took great pride in having the responsibility for the student athletes travelling to their away games, making sure the bus was in the best running condition, warm for the kids when they loaded up, and returning safe and sound.

Another great joy in Ricardo's life was his grandchildren -always available and willing to take them to the playground and an ice cream cone. Ricardo was a beloved father, husband and tata who always looked forward to the time with his family.

Ricardo is preceded in death by his wife Dina, parents, and sister, Maria Haydee Matus Juvera.He is survived by his children Vilma (Jesse) Cabrera of Flagstaff, Ricardo (Kimberly) Matus of Montclair VA, Gino (Paula) Matus of Flagstaff and grandchildren –Michayla, Mireya, Zachary, Zoe, Gabriel and Oscar, sister Guadalupe (Francisco) Briseno Matus and numerous nieces and nephews.

Holy rosary will be recited Saturday, January 30th at 12:30 pm followed by a funeral mass at 1:00 pm, all at St. Francis Catholic Church in Seligman.Burial will conclude at Seligman Cemetery.