PETRITA CHAVEZ OBITUARY
Our precious mother, Petrita Chavez went to be with Jesus on November 9th, 2023, at 5:41 PM at the age of 103. Mom was a kind and wonderful person with a heart to serve others. She made sure she was around when her family needed her. She had many friends in Las Vegas and in Cedar Rapids, IA. Petrita loved her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Many people referred to her as Auntie Pete or Mom. Mom declared that her best friend Marilyn was a daughter to her.
Petrita was predeceased by her husband Juan Chavez, 2 Brothers-Joe Deherrera (Lila), and Leo Deherrera, 4 sisters—Beatrice Chavez (George), Rebecca Colvard (Bill), Teresa Salazar (Vodian) and Angelina Martinez (Dan). She is survived by many wonderful nieces and nephews and their families who loved her very much.
When Petrita was a child her parents used kerosene lamps and no electricity. The lamps provided enough light to do her homework. Her oldest brother Joe would help her with Geometry. He would teach her how but never did the homework for her.
Petrita worked for her brother-in-law George and sister Bea. They had a grocery store and gas station combined. It just so happened that this customer came into the store and her brother-in-law waited on him. Petrita heard them talking so she pretended she needed something from the store. Petrita started talking with John so her brother-in-law went back to the kitchen. Petrita and John became close friends and soon they were married.
Petrita married the love of her life on Feb. 22, 1946. She had a big celebration at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Trinidad, Colo. Then they had a big dinner for relatives and friends, followed by a special dance. Mom said she had a fun band consisting of a guitar and violin playing Spanish music for three days. The band members were their friends. Petrita bought a beautiful wedding dress. Her sister-in-law Lila created a slip for her dress made out of a parachute.
Petrita was involved in several activities. (She especially liked the ones that served food.) She enjoyed praying for people and having groups of people over for dinner. Her favorite thing to do was dance. Every morning she would walk to the kitchen dancing and ask, “What are we doing today?”
Petrita was a Teacher’s Aid in Las Vegas, NV. She earned the JC Penny Golden Rule Award. She promoted a school climate that supports positive working and learning conditions by demonstrating an appreciation for others. She practiced tolerance, flexibility, empathy, recognizing and valuing individual uniqueness and accepting individual capabilities and limitations. Petrita tutored all kids who had been identified as needing assistance. She also served as an interpreter for parents who could not speak English. Her goal was to make sure no child was excluded from any activity because of language. Petrita was thrilled to receive a Congratulatory letter from President Bill Clinton.
Mom was a really good sport and willing to try anything. She lived life to the fullest. Petrita was content to take a walk, watch and feed the ducks at the river, and visit new places around the state of Iowa. Ted bought her a battery-operated little boat that she had so much fun guiding it at the river. She reminded us that she would not stand too close to the water.
Petrita was a very careful driver and obeyed all the speed limits. She said, “I don’t drive like my daughter Isie because she knows where all the cameras are.”
Viewing for Petrita Chavez will be on Nov. 17, 2023, at Comi Funeral Home at 11:00 AM. Memorial Service will follow at 12:00 PM-1:30, Burial at 2:00 PM.
A meal will then be provided for the family, relatives, and friends of the family. The location will be announced after the Celebration of Life ceremony.
