Ricardo “Ricky” Arellano Sandoval was born on May 10, 1955, to United States Army Decorated Veteran Francisco L. Sandoval and Rosario Sandoval (nee Arellano) in San Luis Rio Colorado, Mexico. While Ricky was born in Mexico, he became a Yuman only days after his birth.

Ricky met the love of his life Beatriz Elena Sandoval (nee Acosta), through his uncle and aunt by marriage. Years later, Ricky reunited with “Bea from the sea” as he lovingly called her, when they were students at Arizona Western College in Yuma, Arizona. In 1976, Ricky and Bea had a daughter, Brenda Michelle Sandoval, and married that same year. A little later, Ricky and Bea became parents to Jason Ricardo Sandoval, United States Army Sergeant and Decorated Veteran, Frank Michael Sandoval, and Jane Brooke Sandoval.

Like his dad, Ricky had a strong desire to serve his country. As such, he began his career in law enforcement at the age of 19. When he graduated college, he accepted a position as a Yuma County Sheriff’s Deputy. Less than a decade later, he accepted a position as a federal agent with the Office of Special Investigation (“OSI”). Due to his exemplary criminal investigation skills, Ricky received a promotion by way of a position as a federal agent with United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Internal Affairs. At the height of his career, Ricky was the Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the United States Homeland Security, United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement in El Centro, California.

After 38 years of law enforcement service, Ricky retired and began his second career as an investigator with the Yuma County Public Defender. As an investigator, he served his community by protecting the rights of impoverished individuals accused of crimes. Due to his invaluable investigation skills, he helped secure many favorable outcomes for people living on margins of society.

Ricky not only excelled in his career but also had a full and active family life. He enjoyed going with his family to mass on Sundays, going on family vacations, and watching his children in school pageants, sports tournaments, softball games, fashion shows, band concerts, wrestling matches, and basketball games. Despite the fathomless grief he suffered due to his beloved sons Frank’s and Jason’s untimely passing, Ricky selflessly helped raise his grandchildren and provided for whatever they needed. He also helped raise his granddaughter Franky, who he lovingly called “Mama Franky.”

Ricky also enjoyed being a part of organizations, which contribute to the vitality of this community. During his life, he was the Vice President of NAACP, Yuma Chapter, Member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and Knights of Columbus, Founder of the Sgt Frank M. Sandoval Scholarship Fund, Arizona Sheriff’s and County Attorney’s Association Fraternal Order of Border Agents.

Ricky passed away at the age of 68 on March 30, 2024. He was preceded in death by his sister Diane Sandoval, father Francisco L. Sandoval, granddaughter Maria Michelle Sandoval, son Frank Michael Sandoval, and son Jason Ricardo Sandoval.

Ricky is survived by this loving wife Beatriz Elena Sandoval, his daughters Brenda Michelle Sandoval and Jane Brooke Sandoval, his grandchildren Jason Sandoval, Joelena Alexis Sandoval, Elijah Xavier Sandoval, Franky Tyler Lily Sandoval, and Jayla Elison Sandoval. His mother, Rosario Sandoval, his siblings, his sisters in laws, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, aunts, cousins, and godchildren.

A Celebration of Life Event was held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 2pm-8pm at the Yuma Elks Lodge #476, 1917 W. 32nd Street, Yuma, Arizona 85365.