Elvira Baca

December 26, 1932 - October 24, 2017

Elvira "Vera" Marie Baca began her life on earth on December 26, 1932 to parents Cleofas and Lorenzo Olivas. She began her new life in heaven on October 24, 2017.

Vera was born during a snow storm in Texas which may have been the beginning of the making of a strong woman who worked hard to provide for her children. With her oldest still in grade school, Vera went to OJC to earn her CNA and worked at Pioneer nursing home and as a physical therapist. She would finish her shift at Pioneer and drive to La Junta for her shift at the nursing home there. She worked as a CNA for many years.

Vera was very active in the lives of her children and grandchildren. In her earlier years, she was a Girl Scout troop leader, a member of PTA, and was very active at St. Peter's Catholic Church as a member of the circle, bible study, and helping with church functions. Mom spent most of her time with her grandchildren and attending what school and sports activities as she was able to. She loved to sew and when her children were young, she made many of their school clothes and made clothing for some of her grandchildren. She taught her grandchildren to sew and taught the boys how to sew. She continued the art of quilting that her mother taught her by making hundreds of quilts that were made with love and given in love to her children and grandchildren that will continue to be special memories of her. She entered quilts and other needlepoint projects at the fair this past year she won first and one Grand Champion.

Vera was preceded in death by her parents Cleofas and Lorenzo Olivas, husband, Demetrio (Dick) Baca, brother Leo Olivas, sister Mary Ellen Olivas, daughter Kathy Baca, granddaughter Robyn Baca, and grandson James Baca.

She is survived by her children: Teresa (Eric) Espinoza, Carmalita Baca, Jeanette Baca, Diane (John) Lopez, Shirley Baca, Richard Baca, Peggy Baca, Robert Baca; 22 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Brothers Frank Olivas, Henry Olivas and sister Patty Perez. The Rosary will be recited on Monday, October 30, 2017 at 10:00 AM with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 AM, both in the St. Peter's Catholic Church in Rocky Ford. Interment will follow in the Valley View Cemetery in Rocky Ford. Memorial contributions may be sent to The Donor Alliance; 720 S. Colorado Blvd. Ste. 800 N.; Denver, CO 80246. Casket bearers will be her grandson's Robby Baca and Diego Baca, great-grandson's A.J. Encinias , Robby Baca Jr., Nicholas Baca, Angelo Vigil, and Daydon Romero. Honorary pallbearers are all her grandchildren. Arrangements have been entrusted to Ford - Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com