Elvera Rivera Velasquez

Elvera Rivera Velasquez, age 87, passed away July 13, 2004 in Santa Rosa following an illness. Elvera was born November 4, 1916 in El Pueblo, NM to the home of Juan and Eufemia Arrellanes Rivera. Elvera and her husband Guadalupe Ortega managed the State Cafe and Travelers Coffee Shop and Bar for many years where she worked as a cook and waitress for many years. Elvera also worked as a cook and nutritionist for the schools. Following the death of her husband Guadalupe Ortega in 1968 while serving as city councilman, Elvera conitued to serve in his position. She was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and was involved in the Spanish Choir for many years. She was also a member of the Campos Senior Center. She enjoyed dancing, bingo, playing pool and rummy. Elvera is preceded in death by her parents, her first husband Guadalupe Ortega, her second husband Antonio Velasquez, her brothers Roy Rivera, Chris Rivera, Benny Rivera and her half sister Eralda Velasquez, 1 grandson and 2 great grandsons. Survivors include her daughters Sophie Howe, Fern Romero and husband Johnny, Doris Tapia and husband Tommy all of Santa Rosa and her son Johnny Ortega and Annabelle of Las Vegas, NM. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren, her half sister Orlinda Martinez of Albuquerque, her half brother Hector Rivera of Santa Rosa along with numerous nieces, nephews and a host of relatives and friends. Rosary services will be held on Friday evening, July 16 at 7:00 from St. Rose of Lima Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, July 17 at 10:00 am also from St. Rose of Lima Church with Father Nick Nichols officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Serving as Pallbearers will be Simon Ortega, Lorenzo Barela, Roger Villanueva, Richard Villanueva, James Arrellanes and Rita Arrellanes. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers will be her grandchildren. All services are entrusted to the Chavez Funeral Home of Santa Rosa. www.chavezfuneral home.com