Ray Elias Ortiz was born to Ray and Molly Ortiz on August 7, 1955, in Rawlins, Wy.  He attended Pershing grade school, Rawlins junior high school and graduated from Rawlins High School. Growing up he played basketball on a team coached by our neighbor Max Archuleta. He also boxed as a youngster and was coached by Abe DeHerrera.  He loved to camp with family.  He loved eating and trying new foods.  He also became a very good cook. He loved to travel and loved  his aunts, uncles and cousins.