Ernesto Chavez

Ernesto Chavez, 94 of Santa Rosa, NM passed away peacefully at his home on the ranch, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, January 26, 2024. Ernesto was born on November 9, 1929 in El Alamo, NM to Jose Inez Chavez and Esmeralda (Segura) Chavez. 

Ernesto lived in Clovis, NM and Roswell, NM before settling on the Chavez Ranch in 1959.  Ernesto was married to the former Evelyn Montoya for 71 years. He was an active parishioner at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church and was also a member of the Knights of Columbus. 

Ernesto retired as a school bus driver and worked in countless jobs as a construction worker. In his spare time, Ernesto loved to ride horses, taking care of his cattle, hunting, camping, picking piñon, and traveling the U.S. with his wife Evelyn.   However, his greatest joys were working on the ranch and spending time with his family.

Ernesto is preceded in death by his grandparents; Victor and Antonia Chavez, parents: Jose Inez and Esmeralda Chavez, Erlinda Chavez, his wife; Evelyn, daughter; Mary Jane, son; Gene Chavez, daughter-in-law; Elena Chavez, grandsons; Leo, Jr. and Geno, Jr. and his siblings: Abelino Chavez, Freddy Chavez and Julia Baca.  

 Ernesto is survived by his children and grandchildren; Joe (Roberta) Chavez, Billy (Frances) Chavez, Michael Chavez, Marie Chavez, Leo Chavez, Robert Chavez, Steve (Yolanda) Chavez, Ernie Chavez, Jerry (Rita) Chavez, Jeanette Chavez, Gabriel (Felicia) Chavez and Reyna Chavez (P.J.).  Also surviving Ernesto are his siblings: Johnny (Rosalia) Chavez, Victor (Patsy) Chavez, Rose Chavez, Jane Sanchez and Toni Chavez as well as numerous family and friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 1-4PM at Chavez Funeral Home in Santa Rosa.

Recitation of The Most Holy Rosary will be Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 6PM at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 10AM at Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Santa Rosa, with Father Sotero Sena officiating the service.

Ernesto will be laid to rest at the Santa Barbara Cemetery on the family ranch with Michael Steven Chavez, Guillermo Chavez, Miguel Chavez, Jaclyn Madrid, Gabriel Chavez, Robert Chavez, Jr., Delano Chavez, Charlie Chavez and Marco Coca serving as Pallbearers. 

Honorary Pallbearers will be; all Ernesto’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. 

 We kindly ask that you keep Ernesto and his family in your prayers. 

Services are under the direction of Chavez Funeral Home, 923 S. Third St., Santa Rosa, NM 88435. 575-472-3369. To place an online condolence or tribute, kindly visit www.chavezfuneralhome.com.