Elvera H. Archuletta

The stars were in the sky and her beloved husband reached for her hand and the dance started.

Vera was born in Gulnare, Colorado on October 14, 1935, to Rudolph and Helen Gonzales. She was the oldest of four children and grew up on the family ranch. Vera lived her entire life in Colorado, spending her childhood in the Trinidad area. She also lived in Alamosa and Pueblo, but her adult life was in Longmont, Colorado.

Vera's early academic years were in Gulnare, then she graduated high school from Aguilar, CO on May 27, 1953. She continued her education at Trinidad State Junior College until she graduated on May 30, 1955, with an Associates Degree in Education. Elvera Helen Gonzales received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education on August 16, 1959, at Adams State College. During these years, she loved to bowl, even being on a bowling team with her friends and traveled with friends, including a trip to California to visit Disneyland and the Red Wood National Park.

One summer, at Adams State, she met the love of her life, Claude Archuletta. The two were married in June of 1966. They were a loving and joyous couple noted for always being together at events.

Claude and Vera lived in Longmont, Colorado, both being educators in the St. Vrain Valley School District. Vera taught 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade at Aguilar, Gregory Hill, Burlington, Northridge, and Sanborn schools. Vera influenced so many children by starting their education with a positive experience.

Claude and Vera both supported their students by attending together many school events ranging from sports to plays and musical performances.

As members of the Longmont Elks Club, the couple enjoyed swaying around the dance floor during dinner dances.

Vera was active in St. John the Baptist Catholic Church. She also spent time with a group of friends that celebrated their birthdays and friendship by getting together for nice dinners.

In her retirement years, Vera stayed involved in schools by volunteering as a tutor. She also started painting later in life. She loved family gatherings, dancing at weddings, or watching with pride as her many nieces and nephews graduated. Vera was a Bronco fan who never missed attending a game or watching it on TV. She particularly enjoyed singing in choirs or attending musicals, the theater, and other musical events. You could not walk into their home without hearing Sinatra, Glen Miller, or Perry Como. Herb Albert, Spanish music, and Mariachi bands were also particular favorites. In her last years, she still tapped her foot to music or sang along.

Vera was preceded in death by her husband Claude Archuletta, her parents Rudolph and Helen Gonzales, brothers Martin and Lawrence Gonzales, and a sister Sally Abeyta.

Vera is survived and loved by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Vera was a proper lady of etiquette and kindness. Gentle and quiet most of the time, Vera's funny sense of humor would make everyone laugh in surprise, and love her more.

Vera’s most important lessons were to keep learning, be gentle, and just do the right thing.

The family wishes memorial contributions be made to Suncrest Hospice by sending a check and in the memo line: In memory of Vera Archuletta.

Checks can be made out to:

Suncrest Hospice of Colorado: A Bristol Hospice Company

Sent to:

Suncrest Hospice of Colorado: A Bristol Hospice Company

3770 Puritan Way Unit E

Frederick, CO. 80732 For online donations, please go to:http://bristolfoundation.org/donation-page/

Please copy and paste this LINK for the live stream of the service. https://youtu.be/aQgmwoDhS5Q