Rose E. Gardea

Rose E. Gardea, 77, of Green River, Wyo., passed away Saturday, Feb. 18, 2017, at her home. She had been a resident of Green River for the past 73 years and former resident of Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico.

She was born in Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico on Nov. 22, 1939, the daughter of Onofre Joe Chacon and Rose Vigil.

She met Rafael Gardea in December of 1955 and they married in Green River on July 21, 1956. They were blessed with 60 years of marriage.

They had five children Olga, Raul, Poncho, Glenn and Ana Maria. Rose spent her adult life as a homemaker, everyone who she cared for and whose life she touched was well fed and much loved. She was particularly known for her quick beautiful smile and genuine concern. She was a devout Catholic that attended Mass regularly. She worked and volunteered in a variety of ministries that had a big impact on her faith; these included CCD classes and hosting RCIA with Sister Betty. Rose enjoyed spending time with family and friends, watching Spanish Novelas, family game nights, attending Senior Citizen Center, and playing bingo. Although she left New Mexico as a youth, she never lost the connection with her roots. She always made it a point to visit and keep in touch with her extended family.

Rose is survived by her husband Rafael and four children: daughter Olga and Eduardo Munoz, sons Raul and Debbie Gardea, Poncho and Glenn Gardea; seven grandchildren:Luzi and Javier Reyes, Maria Munoz, Alberto and Erin Munoz, David and Heidi Munoz, Roger Munoz, Ricky Gardea, Rachel and Ryan Schaefer; seven great grandchildren: Jaime Reyes, Claudia and Josue Estrada, Miranda Reyes, Gabe Bunderman, Lilly, Ellee, and Lennix Munoz and baby Schaefer on the way. Two great great grandchildren: Zaiden and Adrian Estrada. Seven siblings: Celso and Martha Chacon, George and Esther Chacon, Larry and Doris Chacon, Zella and Danny Mares, Yolanda and John Flores, Annabelle and Mario Martinez and Marie and Alfonso Gallegos; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Rose is preceded in death by her parents; two brothers Charles Chacon and Jose Avaristo Chacon, four sisters Connie Ochoa, Sophie Reyes, Jennie Gomez and Sara Chacon and one daughter Ana Maria who passed away at birth 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 900 Hitching Post Drive, Green River, Wyo.  A vigil service with rosary will be recited at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017, at the church. Interment will be in the Riverview Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday from 4 p.m. until time of rosary and on Thursday morning at the church until time of services. 

The family of Rose E. Gardea respectfully suggests that donations in her memory be made to the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 900 Hitching Post  Drive, Green River, Wy 82935.

Condolences may be left at http://www.vasefuneralhomes.com