Severo Alonzo Chavez

Severo A. Chavez, aged 84, passed away peacefully at his home in Rio Rancho, NM on Saturday, May 3, 2025, surrounded by his family. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and brother, and a longtime resident of Antonito, CO.

Born on November 1, 1940, in Manassa, CO, Severo was the son of Juan Antonio Chavez and Candelaria (Cantu) Chavez. He married Gloria Archuleta on November 30, 1963, and they enjoyed 57 years of marriage, raising three children: Yvonne, Rodney, and Tamara.

Severo had a passion for basketball, cattle drives, tending to his cattle, horseback riding, family cruise vacations, and spending quality time with his grandchildren. He graduated from Manassa High School in 1957, where he played basketball for the Manassa Maulers. After high school, he worked at the Pine Theater in Manassa, managing the projector, and later at the T-Bone Ranch as a ranch hand, embracing his love for being a cowboy. His career included a long tenure at Johns Manville and 18 years at the Colorado Department of Transportation, retiring in 2007.

He is survived by his children, Yvonne (Rick) Roybal, Rodney (Michelle) Chavez, and Tamara (Kevin) Gallegos; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Lydia Serrano, Gloria (Frank) Davis, Vicki Chavez, Theresa Nickerson, Maria (Chuck) Miller, and brother Joe (Maryanne) Chavez, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Severo was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria Chavez, grandson Derik Mendoza, his parents Juan Antonio and Candelaria Chavez, and siblings Manuel Chavez, Victor Chavez, Odella Zaragoza, and Olga Alvidrez.

A rosary will be held at St. Therese Catholic Church, 501 Main St., Manassa, CO at 6 pm on Sunday, May 18, 2025. Funeral services will take place at St. Therese Catholic Church in Manassa on Monday, May 19, 2025, at 10 am, followed by his burial at Los Cerritos Cemetery in Manassa.