María Dilia Chávez, a lifelong resident of Wagon Mound, NM, passed away peacefully with her sister Teresa by her side at Presbyterian Rust Medical Center in Rio Rancho, NM, on July 27, 2022, at the age of 82.
Born to Alfredo Chávez and Carolina Mondragón Chávez in Naranjos, NM, on October 1, 1939, Dilia was a giving, caring and selfless soul and is predeceased by her Father, Mother, and sister Eileen Ortega.
Dilia grew up in Wagon Mound, attended Wagon Mound Public Schools, and later became very active in her church. As a loyal parishioner of Santa Clara Catholic Church, she unselfishly gave of her time and talents as a volunteer catechism teacher for many years. Dilia was also involved with her local Catholic Cursillo movement, participated in Peregrino Journeys, and assisted in various numerous church fundraising efforts. She particularly enjoyed working church bingo events.
Her love and devotion to her God and to her family were exemplified by the unselfish decision she made to stay home and accompany and care for her aging parents up until the end of their lives. Her decision to forego any personal or professional goals she may have had in life was typical of the genuinely kind and gentle person Dilia was.
Left to cherish her memory are her sisters: Emilia Trujillo of Springer, NM; Teresa Tafoya of Wagon Mound, NM; Aurelia Montoya, Dora Durán (husband Bernie), and Margaret Quintana (husband Richard) all of Las Vegas, NM; and her brother Joe Chávez (wife Caroline) of Wagon Mound, NM. A brother-in-law, Danny Ortega of Ft. Worth, TX; numerous nephews, nieces, and cousins in addition to many friends also mourn her passing.
Catholic funeral services have been scheduled for Thursday, August 11, 2022, at the Santa Clara Catholic Church in Wagon Mound. A Holy Rosary will be recited by her sisters at 9:30 A.M. with a Eulogy to be delivered next by Eddie King (wife Kathy) of Las Vegas, NM, whom Dilia cherished and considered more of a brother than a nephew. A Mass of Christian Burial will then be celebrated by Fr. Christopher Martínez with the interment of cremains to follow at the Santa Clara Catholic Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to and under the care of Rogers Mortuary, Las Vegas, NM 87701, 1.505.425.3511 or 1.800.479.3511. Please visit our online website www.rogersmortuarynm.com to sign the online register book.
