Antonia Rivas

Antonia “Toni” Rivas 80, devoted mother, faithful catholic, dedicated homemaker, helpful neighbor, and trusted Avon lady answered the lord’s call on August 12, 2023. Surrounded by the love, family memories and comfort and of her beloved home, while sleeping peacefully left her body to commence eternal rest.

Antonia was born and raised in El Paso Texas and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1961. Her high school participation as historian for the Future Homemakers of America club, proved to be the seed of Toni’s love for raising families. In 1966 she married Ruben Rivas and began raising what would be a family of six. Raising that six would later grow to include numerous nephews and nieces, and children’s friends in the neighborhood, leaving behind a legacy of countless fond childhood memories for many.

The next five decades of her life, was a rich tapestry of family life, school volunteering, girl scout troops church activity, community engagements, and various entrepreneurial pursuits. With the heart of a volunteer, Antonia earnestly pledged precious time to organizations and activities; PTA mom, YISD Volunteer Coordinator, RHS volunteer, Band Booster, Football Booster, Texas Congress of Parents and Teachers, Riverside High School Campus Education Improvement Committee and Ysleta Juvenile Court Committee Board, are but a few to mention. As a dedicated leader, of Brownie and Girl scout troops Toni gifted young girls with a positive and meaningful idea what their futures could be. Adventuring on many educational and creative activities she engaged lower valley youth to a larger more interesting world. For over thirty years she devoutly attended mass with her family at San Antonio De Padua Church and later proudly served as minister of communion. Another facet to Antonia was her enterprising spirit. Optimistically she adventured into sales of all varieties and personally bonded with her neighbors, Tupperware, numerous yard sales, girl scout cookie sales, and most notable a successful Avon sales representative in the Thomas Manor neighborhood. Through tireless efforts she taught her children about the legacy of family, and the unfaltering love it takes to help people in need. Family was the pivotal essence of Antonia’s life, she was proud and honored to be the matriarch, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her large family. In her twilight years, despite living with serious mental health difficulties, she persisted to be a loving presence in the lives of her family, extended family, friends, and neighbors. Antonia will forever be remembered for her family life at 400 Bissonet, she was a caring neighbor to the community in countless ways. Her generosity, friendship, mentorship, open home policy and sincere care for people will be missed. Antonia’s profound devotion and selfless love for her family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will live on.

Preceded in death by her parents, Narciso and Amparo Alvarez, sister Carmen Behl, brother Jaime Alvarez and husband, Ruben Rivas Sr. Proceeded in death by her siblings; Maria Thurston, Juanita Martinez, Narciso Alvarez Jr., Clara Vasquez, Joseph Alvarez, Delia Saldana, and Sylvia Martinez.

Survived in legacy by her six children, Yvette Chambers, Elizabeth Beery, Arlette Espinoza, Charlotte Macias, Ruben Rivas Jr, and Anthony Rivas. Caring and Affectionate grandmother to 15 grandchildren, and great grandmother to 21 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild. Further survived by, a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and longtime friends from her lifetime.

A celebration of Antonia’s life will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 10:00am at Hillcrest Funeral Home on 1060 N Carolina Dr, El Paso, TX 79915.