Elva Olivar

Maria Elva Olivar, 88, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.

Elva was born in Satevo, San Jose del Sitio, Chihuahua, Mexico, on January 4, 1937. She grew up surrounded by her parents, brother, grandparents, and a large extended family. She loved sharing memories of helping on the family ranch- carrying water from the stream, making tortillas, and milking goats and cows. Though the walk to school was long, she and her cousins, brother and friends enjoyed every step, sometimes daring each other to ride a roaming donkey along the way. Her stories reflected the simplicity and joy of a childhood rooted in family, hard work, and kindness.

Elva married Phillip Olivar in 1957, and together they made their home in El Paso, Texas, for 48 years until Phillip’s passing in 2005. She remained devoted to her family, caring not only for her children and grandchildren but also for her mother, who lived with her until the remarkable age of 102.

A talented seamstress, Elva built a career with her skilled hands and loved tending to her garden, where her green thumb was admired by all. She cherished time with family and friends, her phone always ringing with warm conversations. Animals held a special place in her heart; even a little turtle who appeared in her garden—promptly named Marisol—became part of her daily life. Elva’s quiet strength, generosity, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Elva was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Phillip Olivar, and her parents, Martina Chavira and Aurelio Salcido. She is survived by her brother Armando Salcido; sons Oliver and wife Barbara and Joe Olivar; daughters Noemi Olivar-Gehrmann and husband Thorsten Gehrmann and Diana Olivar and husband Cory Shirk; grandchildren Fabian Medrano and wife Sandy, Brianna Lee and husband Miles McLane, Phillip Olivar, Justin Olivar and wife Tiffany, Landry Olivar, Jonathon Parker, and Remington Shirk; and great grandchildren Angel, Isiah, and Kaylan Medrano, Tyler and Baylee McLane, Avery, Achilles, and Artemis Olivar, and Meadow Parker.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 4:00–8:00 p.m., with a Rosary at 6:00 p.m., at Sunset Funeral Homes–East, 750 N. Carolina. A Funeral Mass will follow Wednesday, October 1 at 12:00 p.m. at All Saints Catholic Church, 1415 Dakota, with Interment at 1:30 p.m. at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life reception will follow at First Presbyterian Church, 1340 Murchison Drive.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Elva’s memory to the El Paso Humane Society: hselpaso.org/donate-one-time.