Ernestine Olivas

Ernestine "Ernie" Olivas, entered eternal life the morning of May 12th, 2022 at the age of 89. She passed peacefully in her sleep, in her home, with her daughter Laura at her side. Ernestine was born January 27th, 1933 in Fort Davis, Texas to Francisco and Felipa Olivas. Ernestine put herself through nursing school as a single mother of two young daughters and working full-time as a Certified Nursing Assistant; her independence and determination was inspiring. Ernestine graduated and began her career at Memorial Medical Center. She went on to work with Dr. Don Marketto OBGYN for 12 years. She continued her career with MMC, First Step Pediatric Clinic, and finally as a Home Health Nurse. Ernestine loved being a nurse and she was amazing at it which made it hard for her to say goodbye to her career. After three attempts at retirement, she officially retired and helped take care of her great grandchildren. She was very active in her church and was awarded Catholic Daughter of the Year in 2006. She served as a communion minister every Sunday at 11am mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Cathedral until her health started to decline. Ernestine loved working in her yard and maintained it on her own until she was 84. She had a green thumb and could grow anything. Her laugh was infectious and could light up the room. She made the best birthday cakes, and she told the best stories; it didn't matter what it was about, the way she spoke would draw you in. She talked so passionately about the things and people she loved, especially God. Our beloved Mother, Grandmother, Nana, Sister, Aunt, and dear friend will be greatly missed. The last four years of her life were hard on her and her caregiver, her daughter, Laura. She is now at peace and reunited with her family and friends in the Kingdom of Heaven. We offer a heartfelt thank you to her caregiver, Susanne and her nurses, Amber and Jessica with Encompass Hospice and Ambercare. We appreciate you for taking such great care of her, especially when she was at her most vulnerable state. A special thank you also goes out to Father Yossi. Those left to mourn her passing are her youngest daughter, Laura Hannah of Las Cruces, NM, Granddaughter, Jenasea Ticho and her husband, Shawn Ticho of Belgium. Great Grandsons, Sye Hannah, Tate, and Ultan Ticho of Belgium. Her brother, Robert "Bobby" OIivas and his wife Carol of Houston, TX. William of Las Cruces, NM who she always referred to as "Hi Friend!" Other survivors include numerous nieces and nephews. Ernestine was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Francisco, Fidel, Antonio and Chuy Olivas; four sisters, Lucy Cuaron, Becky Cisneros, Connie Tercero and Kathy Cortez. As per her request, cremation has taken place and a private burial will be at a later date.