Ruth M. Chavez, age 99, died Tuesday, February 24, 2015 in Amarillo, Texas.

Rosary was recited at 7:00 P.M. on Sunday, March 1st by Deacon P. Louis Montoya and Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 2nd at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Clayton with Fr. Joel Bugas as Celebrant. Burial followed in the Clayton Memorial Cemetery in Clayton by Hass Funeral Directors of Clayton.

Ruth Maria (Rael) Chavez was born on November 22, 1915 in Emery Gap, New Mexico to Teofilo Rael and Josefita (Tafoya) Rael. A lifelong resident of Union County, Ruth was raised in the Emery Gap and Folsom communities. Ruth married Elevinio Chavez on October 4, 1941 in Clayton, New Mexico and he preceded her in death on April 16, 1994. After they were married, Elevinio went off to serve in the US Army during WWII. After he returned, they started their family in the Folsom and Des Moines area. Ruth was a devout Catholic, she was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary in Clayton and she loved to travel. In addition to her parents and husband, Ruth was preceded in death by a son; Don Andres "Andy" Chavez on December 4, 1992, a grandson; David Brian Chavez on September 22, 2011, 6 brothers; Rosendo, Ben, Esteven, Rafael, Alberto and Jesus and 3 sisters; Utimia, Mercedes and Marina.

SURVIVORS:

3 SONS: Elevinio Albert Chavez and his wife Lucy of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Roy James Chavez and his wife Priscilla of Clayton, New Mexico and Billy Raymond Chavez and his wife Olivia of Guymon, Oklahoma.

1 DAUGHTER-IN-LAW: Josephine "JoJo" Talley of Clayton, New Mexico.

10 Grandchildren, 26 Great-Grandchildren, 6 Great-Great-Grandchildren

1 BROTHER-IN-LAW: John Chavez of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

And many very close lady friends in the community.