Thelma Dean Chavez

Thelma Dean Chavez died Saturday, April 17, 2010, in Ignacio, Colo. She was 80. Mrs. Chavez was born July 28, 1929, in Tacoma, Wash., the daughter of Floyd and Cora Vincent. Her family remembers her as a very strong, caring, giving, loving, beautiful woman who bravely battled a lifetime heart condition. Thelma and the love of her life and best friend Joe were married for 25 wonderful years. Her smile will be greatly missed. She was preceded in death by son Michael McKiddy and daughter Sharon "Sherry" Flores. She is survived by husband Joe Leandro Chavez of Ignacio; daughter Nikki (Jack) Wilden of Gilbert, Ariz.; daughter Susan (Gene) Rudolph of Kent, Wash.; stepdaughter Leilani (Joe) Pawluk of Covena, Calif.; stepdaughter Dores (Larry) Stock of Waterflow, N.M.; stepdaughter Lisa (Charles) Rose of Aztec, N.M.; stepson Ralph (Leah) Chavez of Phoenix, Ariz.; and stepdaughter Michelle (Justin) Dymock of Salt Lake City, Utah. Thelma is survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A prayer service will be held at the Durango Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (2 Hilltop Circle) on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at 2:30 p.m. Cremation will occur at Hood Mortuary Crematory in Durango. The family asks that no flowers be sent.