Stella T. Chavez

January 5, 1914 - January 3, 2012

Mrs. Stella T. Chavez, 98, of Rocky Ford died Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012 peacefully at Crowley County Nursing Center, Ordway, CO. Stella was born in Pueblo, CO on January 5, 1914, the daughter of the late Jose Adan and Amalia (Valdez) Chavez. She graduated from Ordway High School and attended a nursing college in Pueblo. Stella was the widow of Mike J. Chavez. They were married on Aug. 28, 1938 in Rocky Ford. He preceded her in death on Oct. 10, 2002. She was a proud homemaker and had also owned and operated the Escondido Inn. She sold insurance for Ideal National Insurance Company, in their later years they sold produce off the farm and were known for their green chili and sweet corn. She was a true entreprenuer. Stella was a member of St. Peters Catholic Church in Rocky Ford, CO. She was very active in the church with many volunteer activities. Mrs. Chavez was part founder of the Ministerial Alliance, helped start a thrift store to help with those in need, she worked with young people as a School Home Social Worker to make sure they stayed in school, Past President of the VFW Auxiliary, helped start the first Credit Union for the St. Peter's Catholic Church and was later on the Board of Directors for the Rocky Ford Federal Credit Union. She loved being a farmer's wife and helping her husband on the farm. She opened her home to many children to help them find their path in life. She is survived by: Daughter Dede wife of John Iozzi of Monument, CO; Son Rick husband of Sandi Chavez of Mt. Crested Butte, CO; Granddaughter Elayne Morris of Monument, CO; Granddaughter Kristy Chavez of Aurora, IL; Great-Granddaughter Malorie Kempker of Las Vegas, NV; Great-Grandson Brad Kempker of Monument, CO; Great-Great-Grandson Russell Tajalle of Las Vegas, NV; Great-Great-Grandson Brody Sims of Temecula, CA; Sister Margaret wife of Tom Minjarez of San Leandro, CA; Sister Della wife of George Kaferley of Denver, CO; Sister Polly wife of Tony Gomes of Livermore, CA; Brother Joe husband of Maxine Chavez of Denver, CO; Brother Percy husband of Bernice Chavez of Pueblo, CO. She is also survived by Numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by: husband, Mike; son, Raymond; sister, Molly; 6 brothers and sisters who died in early childhood. A Rosary Service will be recited at 9:30 AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow all at the St. Peters Catholic Church, Rocky Ford, CO, at 10:00 AM on Saturday, January 7th, with Fr. Paul Ekeh officiating. Visitation will be Friday January 6th, 12-5 PM at Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Interment will be in the Hillcrest Cemetery next to her husband, Mike in Rocky Ford, CO. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ford-Ustick Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to www.fordustick.com.