Ralph Olivas

Ralph Olivas of Longmont, Colorado died at his home on February 14, 2007. He was 86.Ralph was born on November 24, 1920 in Eaton, Colorado to Frank and Melina (Armijo) Olivas. He grew up in the Eaton area and moved to Longmont in 1936. Ralph married Rose Bell Martinez in Longmont on November 24, 1937.Ralph was head Mechanic/machinist at the Lincoln Coal Mine near Erie for 35 years. He served as president of the local chapter of the United Mine Workers Union for eight years. Ralph worked as a Finish Carpenter for Pearl Mac and a Framer for Forrest Construction during the Lincoln Mine?s off months.During World War II, Ralph was deferred from military service to work as a pipe fitter on submarines, particularly the critical periscope work, at the Mare Island Shipyard in California.Mr. Olivas was a member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and of the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed fishing and loved to travel with his wife, visiting 46 of the 50 states, Canada, and Mexico.Mr. Olivas was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers: Cornelio, Cipriano, Joe, Paul, Bonnie, and Benny; five sisters: Inez Sanchez, Arcina Gallegos, Gertrudes Conchola, Martina Jaquez, and Carmen Olivas; and a granddaughter, Maria Olivas O?Dea.Ralph is survived by his wife of Longmont; four daughters: Ruby Jones and her husband David of Douglas, Wyoming; Oli Duncan of Lemoyne, Nebraska; Geri Juarez of Longmont; Linda Mosness of Eaton, Colorado; a son, Anthony Olivas of Casper, Wyoming; a brother, Tony Olivas and his wife Rose of Avondale, Colorado; a sister, Myrtle Montoya and her husband Joe of Pueblo, Colorado; 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and on Monday, February 19 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Howe Mortuary with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, February 20 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church with Reverend Brian Morrow officiating. Burial will follow at Longmont Mountain View Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be given to the American Cancer Society, 6857 Paiute Avenue, Niwot, CO 80503.