Ryan Wells

Ryan Wells, a life-long resident of New Mexico, passed unexpectedly on June 5, 2024. He was a loving husband, stepfather, son, and friend to all. Ryan will be dearly missed by his wife, Rheanna Hastey; stepsons, Donovan and Orrin Butler; parents, Ronald and Diana Wells; sister and brother-in-law, Wendy and Urban Hill; and three nephews, Dylan (Kaylee) Russell, Christian, and Douglas. His long-time friends, Victor and Joe Garde and Mike Morse, also mourn his passing. Ryan is preceded in death by grandparents, Wayne and Mabel Wells, Laroy and Vada Leighton; and his uncle, Roger Wells. 

Born August 27 in 1977, Ryan graduated from Pojoaque High School and attended Highlands University. He worked most of his adult life at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Ryan began his career as a member of the Laboratory's Security Police Force and Special Response Team, competitive shooting team and ultimately served as a Waste Management Coordinator. Ryan had many interests from history and music to motorcycles and target shooting. For this reason, he could have a conversation with almost anyone. “I know a little bit about a lot of things,” was one of his favorite sayings. Ryan was also a remarkable cook, a skill he acquired from working in restaurants as a youth. He found happiness in keeping those in his life well-fed. and was passionate about passing the skill of cooking on to his stepsons. Ryan enjoyed camping, hiking, and exploring the beauty of Northern New Mexico. In his final years, Ryan's favorite activity was to be waist-deep in a river, fly fishing alone or with his family. A 

Celebration of Ryan’s life will take place on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at the Wells’ residence in Santa Cruz, NM.

The family of Ryan Wells has entrusted the care of their loved one to DeVargas Funeral Home & Crematory of the beautiful Espanola Valley. www.devargasfuneral.com 505-747-7477