Ernest Joe Rivera Jr

Ernest Joe Rivera Jr. (Spooker)

Ernest Joe Rivera Jr. 50 of Hobbs, New Mexico entered his eternal rest on January 27, 2025, at the home of his sister Hope Dominguez in Hobbs, New Mexico.

Ernest was born in Pampa, Texas on May 13, 1974, to Ernest Rivera Sr. and Hermida Olivas Rivera. Ernest was a loving father, grandfather, uncle, brother, son and friend. As a kid Ernest enjoyed playing soccer in Hobbs, New

Mexico. He loved listening to music, especially "Lil Rob." He loved to draw, tattoo, and liked hanging out with his homeboys in the Avenue. He always had to have his coffee and loved his sweets.

In 1998 Ernest Rivera met the love of his life Virginia Leyba.

Those left to cherish Ernest are his seven children: Ernest Rivera Ill (Adrian) of Hobbs, NM; Estela (his hairdo) and her husband Nathan Lara, of Roswell, NM; Feliciana (his tomboy) and her wife Landra Rodriguez of Waco, TX.; Angelita Pena (his pelona) and her husband Joseph Pena; Ernest Rivera IV and his wife Celeste Rivera; Elijah Rivera and his wife Anabel Torrez; and Emmanuel Rivera, all of Roswell, NM. Ernest had the pleasure of raising Gregory and Raymond Hobbs of Roswell, NM as his own sons. Ernest has 10 grandkids: Genesys, Penelope, Jovanni, Marilyn, and Santiago of Hobbs, NM. Evaliicia, Nathan, Alfonso Lara, Avangelique Gonzales, and Baby Elijah Pablo Rivera all of Roswell, New Mexico.

Ernest has eight siblings: Vivian and Norma Botello of Hobbs, NM; Andrew and Edelmida Botello of Roswell, NM; Richard Botello of Los Lunas, NM.; Sally Botello; Hope Dominguez, Sylvia and Buffy Rivera of Hobbs, NM.; Delia and Martin Molinar of Greenley Colorado; Brother in laws Michael (Jolene} Luevano; Johnny (Corky) Ortiz; His Toots Thomas Leyba; Joe Nick Galvan; and Sister in law Sylvia Leyba.

Ernest has numerous nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Ernest loved his family and friends. He loved tagging on everything. He didn't live the perfect life, but he made an impact on a lot of our lives, whether we realized it or not. His presence would leave an imprint in your life: written by his niece Elizabeth

Those who preceded him in death will be both parents, Ernest and Hermida Rivera; one granddaughter Unique Lara; Nephew Daniel Molinar; Paternal grandparents, Art and Carmen LeClerk; Maternal grandparents Juan and Elva Olivas; and his mother-in-law Stella Cano.

The Viewing will be on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at Ballard Funeral Home, with the memorial service for Ernest starting at 1:00 pm. There will be a Comida following the service at the America Legion, 1620 North Montana Ave.