Ronald "Rick" Sursa

Ronald Ricky “Rick” Sursa completed his life journey on December 18, 2024, in his home in Tucumcari, NM. 

Rick was born in Matador, Texas to James Merrell Sursa and Joyce Marie Goodwin on October 11, 1948. Rick’s dad James, was a cowboy working on ranches in the Texas panhandle and Eastern New Mexico. Rick grew up riding horseback from a very young age. He has told many stories about his childhood, his love of horses and cattle, and his love of being outdoors. He particularly loved the mesa country of Eastern NM.

Rick graduated from Vega High School and enlisted in the US Army in 1968. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. When he returned to Texas, he worked on ranches breaking horses. In 1971 he married Connie Martin, and they had one son, Ronald James. They divorced in 1973.

In 1975 Rick met Juliana Louise Healey Spies, and they married in 1977. Soon after, they left the Texas panhandle for a ranch north of Santa Rosa, NM. It was a wonderful life and a perfect place to raise their children. Rick worked on ranches until 1988, when the family moved to Logan, NM and he took a position with NM DOT in Tucumcari. He continued to raise cattle and his beautiful horses, leasing land in the Logan area. He and Julie moved to Tucumcari in 2001, where they have resided for many years.

His parents, James and Joyce Sursa preceded him in death, as well as many aunts, uncles and some of his cousins. 

Surviving Rick is his wife of 47 years, Juliana, of the home. He is survived by his children, Ronald Sursa and Lara of Killeen, Texas; Summer Spies Smith and Toby of Newberry, Florida; Kathie Shay Sursa of Tucumcari; and Curtis Sursa and Alyssa of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Rick was the grandfather to 6 beautiful grandchildren, Ricky Urioste, Clayton and Megan Sursa, Ian and Aden Smith, and Aurora Sursa. He is also survived by his sister, Sherilyn Bullock and Robert of Dike, Texas as well as numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Cremation will take place and a private family service will be held at a later date.

Mr. Sursa’s care has been entrusted to Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369.

The following poem was written by a young man who was very fond of Ricky:

Old Cowboys

All I ever knew were old cowboys who’ve seemed to pass

I think about how ironic it is

That a breed of life has come and gone so fast

There ain’t much more call

For a bronco buster or a roper of a cowhand

For a trail that rides forever

And is seamless across the land

When the Lord comes to call

An old cowboy lifts his hat from the brim

For his first sight of glory as the Lord stands before ‘em

All I ever knew were old cowboys

With a deep seat and a faraway look in their eyes

Now they’re ridin’ at a slower pace

Far beyond the clouds

Among the Heavens and the skies

Mitchell Cameron Bynum