Ophelia M. Chavez

Ophelia M. Chavez, 85, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2015 in Las Cruces, New Mexico. She was born June 22, 1930 in Ft. Stockton, TX to Francisco and Dolores (Urquidi) Mesa. She spent her childhood years in Ft. Stockton and moved along with her family to the Mesilla Valley in 1943. 1948 marked a great year for Ophelia - graduating from Las Cruces Union High School and marrying Reyes M. Chavez. Ophelia and Reyes had two children, Gloria and Reyes. While raising her family, Ophelia actively participated alongside Reyes in their farming operation as well as being among the founders of the Downtown Farmers Market, an active 4H Leader, Cooperative Extension member and serving on the Picacho MDWCA board. Unbeknownst to some, she was an amazing seamstress! After the untimely death of Reyes in 1988, Ophelia, along with the gracious help of neighboring farmers and the strong will she is most identified by, moved forward in the next chapter of her life. The next 25 years would be spent as owner and active manager of a very successful Chavez Farms. Her farming operation consisted of a pecan orchard as well as the added blessing to her faithful customers near and far with some of the best fresh, roasted and dried chile! Ophelia is survived first and foremost by her pride and joy - granddaughter Anna Montano and great-granddaughter Briana Montano of Fairacres, NM. Also left to mourn her death are children, Gloria Thomen (Rick) and Reyes Chavez of Fairacres; grandson, Phillip Montano of Rio Rancho, NM, granddaughter Lindsay Thomen of Fairacres; great-granddaughters Taylor and Bailey Montano of Rio Rancho, NM; granddaughter-elect, Tiffany Martinez of Las Cruces; brothers, Frank Mesa of Las Cruces and Henry Mesa of El Paso, TX; sister, Eva Avalos of Las Cruces; several nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Reyes, in 1988; her parents, Francisco and Dolores; her parents-in-law, Isaaac and Irene Chavez; brother, Will and sister, Lou. A very heartfelt thank you to the staff at Casa Bella Assisted Living Facility and Ambercare for the love and care provided during the final chapter of Ophelia's life. Much love from "Abuelita!" In lieu of flowers the family has asked that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association, in honor of Ophelia, at 9500 Montgomery Boulevard NE, Suite 121, Albuquerque, NM 87111. A visitation will be held at Getz Funeral Home on Friday, September 18, 2015, from 5PM-6PM with a Prayer Vigil to follow at 6PM. The Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at 10AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church. PDF Printable Version