Who was Raul Grijalva married to? All about wife and children as Arizona Representative dies at 77

Democratic U.S Rep. Raul Grijalva was married to Ramona Grijalva in 1971. Grijalva died on March 13 at 77 from cancer treatment complications. While announcing his death, his office released a statement saying,

"From permanently protecting the Grand Canyon for future generations to strengthening the Affordable Care Act, his proudest moments in Congress have always been guided by community voices."

Raul had announced his unspecified cancer diagnosis in April, 2024, and that he was beginning a "vigorous course of treatment." However, Grijalva noted that he would continue his work and sought reelection in 2024, ultimately winning.

Grijalva was recognized for his swift rise to chair the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee and was known for consistently advocating for immigrants and Native American tribes. His death comes after the death of Rep Sylvester Turner of Texas last week, another Democratic House member who died of health issues.

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More about Raul Grijalva and his family

Raul Grijalva and his wife Ramona Grijalva were married for over five decades and had three daughters, Adelita, Raquel and Marisa. Ramona worked as a brand manager of the Sam Lena South Tucson Library from 1997, and retired in 2005 after 33 years of service, and went on to serve on the board of the Tucson International Mariachi Conference.

She had also been involved in the works of numerous boards and committees, including the Tucson Association for Childcare and the House of the Neighborly Services.

Raul began his public career as a community organizer and joined advocates in support of underrepresented constituencies in Tuscon and Southern Arizona at El Rio Community Health Center in the 1970s.

From 1975 to 1986, Raul served as director of the El Pueblo Neighborhood Center and went on to be a part of the Tucson Unified School District Governing Board from 1974 to 1986.

He was elected to the Pima County Board of Supervisors and served there from 1988 to 2003.

His daughter, Adelita Grijalva, followed her father's footsteps and became a member of the Pima County Board of Supervisors. Adelita paid tribute to her father on social media noting,

"He loved his family, especially those grandbabies, and this community. He is not a perfect person, but had perfect intentions and wanted to do good. It's been my honor to be Raul Grijalva's daughter - a badge I wear with immense pride.

His another daughter, Marisa Grijalva works as an editorial assistant at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.