Bernie was born on Jan. 22, 1927 in San Acacio, Colo., to Victoriano Herrera and Eufemia Quintana. Bernie was also the proud descendant of Spanish settlers who came with Conquistador Juan de Oñate in 1598 to what would become the United States of America.
Bernie graduated high school in Alamosa in 1944 and attended Adams State College.
Bernie married Reuben Olivas on May 13, 1946 and together they had five children whom they raised in Pierce.
Bernie was a devout Catholic and loving mother who enjoyed get-togethers with family and friends, gardening, playing Bingo, road trips and occasionally gambling in Central City. She was an avid Denver Broncos and Colorado Rockies fan and seldom missed watching a game.
Bernie worked for Weld County Opportunity and Catholic Community Services for a couple of years and for Weld County Department of Social Services for seven years. She also taught ESL classes at Aims Community College for 14 years.
An active member of the community, Bernie served on the board of the Area Agency on Aging and Catholic Community Services. She also served as president of the Ault Altar and Rosary Society and volunteered for several other non-profit agencies in Weld County.
The Colorado Anciano Association, an elderly non-profit organization, and the Denver Parks and Recreation Department honored Bernie at the Year 2000 Dia del Anciano (Day of the Elder) gala in Denver. Denver’s mayor at the time, Wellington Webb, awarded Bernie the prestigious Humanitarian Award for her work with seniors.
Bernie is survived by her children Lorraine (Ralph) Martinez, Reuben Olivas Jr., Jimmy (Lori) Olivas, Debbie (David) Clarke and Lenny (Christy) Olivas; grandchildren Andrea, Danny, Mary, Brenda, Christy, Cody, Derrick, Janean, Courtney, Taryn, Leandra and Alie; great-grandchildren: Mikayla, Zalan, Zsofi, Quinton, Quincy, Estrella, Kacelyn, Jessykah, Nina, Hunter, Jaylon and Derrick; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bernie was preceded in death by her husband, Reuben, her parents, grandson Jimmy Olivas, Jr., and 10 brothers and sisters.
Visitation 6-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 8 with Recitation of the Rosary at 7 p.m. both at Stoddard Funeral Home. Mass of the Christian Burial will be at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ault. Interment will be at the Ault Cemetery.
