Ricky died July 19, 2014 in Amarillo, Texas He was born October 16, 1955 in Muleshoe to Luis and Aurora (Lopez) Mata.

Background:
Ricky was a lifetime resident of the Muleshoe community. He graduated from Muleshoe High School in 1974. In the mid 80’s, he volunteered with the Bailey County EMS. Ricky continued on to receive his certification to be a paramedic. He worked as a paramedic in Muleshoe, Tucumcari, Brownfield, Torrance County and the Kingsland and Horseshoe Bay areas. He was forced to take a medical retirement, but his passion was to help others. Ricky always enjoyed his family and friends. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus and the Jaycees. He was preceded in death by his father, Luis, and two baby brothers, Juan Maximo Mata and Juanito Mata.


Survivors:
Survivors include his mother, Aurora; three sisters, Aurora Mata of Muleshoe, Texas, Maria Estela Mata of Amarillo, Texas, and Christina Diana Williams of Crowley; five brothers, Joe Mata of Muleshoe, Texas, Danny Mata of Weslaco, Texas, Carlos Mata of Weslaco, Texas, Marcos Mata of San Angelo, Texas and Miguel Mata of Austin, Texas.


Memorials:
Online condolences may be made at www.ellisfuneralhomes.com.