Mary G. Chavez

Mary Gurtrude “Tules” Chavez, 79 of Fort Sumner, NM died Sunday, October 5, 2008 at Texas Specialty Hospital in Lubbock, TX following an illness. She was born May 9, 1929 in Clovis, NM to the home of Rafael and Francisca (Sena) Lopez. She was reared and attended school in Fort Sumner. She married Armando Chavez on June 25, 1968 in Fort Sumner. Tules worked for several years as a cook at Sprout’s Café in Fort Sumner. She later operated Tito’s Café for several years. She owned and operated Mary Frances Café for many years before selling the business. Tules enjoyed playing Bingo, gardening, sewing and loved her pet dog “Dore”. She was a lifelong member of St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner. Tules was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters Josie Garcia June 7, 1972, an infant sister Susanita Lopez; four brothers Christobal Lopez Dec. 15, 1987, Agapito Lopez Dec. 2, 1990, Florentino Lopez Aug. 31, 1958 and Juan Lopez Nov. 30, 2002. Survivors include her husband Armando Chavez of the family home; a daughter Mary Frances Carroll; three grandsons Nikko Carroll, Mario Carroll, Estevan Chavez; and a nephew raised as a son, Robert Rafael Lopez of Carlsbad along with many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends. Rosary services were held at 10:30 AM Saturday, October 11, 2008 from St. Anthony Catholic Church in Fort Sumner with a Funeral Mass followed at 11:00 AM. Interment of cremains followed at St. Anthony Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 804 N. Fifth Street; Fort Sumner, New Mexico. (575) 355-2311. To place an online tribute of sign the guest book please visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com