Aurora was born in 1925 in Kansas City, Missouri, to Julian and Amparo Rojas. She was the fifth of thirteen children and her Uncle Juan Rojas, his wife Fernanda, and her cousin Seferina Lopez lovingly assisted in raising her.
Aurora was the devoted wife of Baltazar Merino. They shared 55 years of marriage until his passing in 2005 and were blessed with four sons and three daughters. She dedicated her life to caring for her family as a stay-at-home mother, and later worked part time in the Food Service Department at Business Men’s Assurance Company. After retiring from BMA she served as a Spanish interpreter at the Redemptorist Food Pantry where she served for many years until illness required her to step away.
Aurora will be fondly remembered for her devotion to her family, her strong faith, her generous heart, and her commitment to helping others. She cherished time spent with her siblings, especially their monthly Rojas birthday gatherings, and took great joy in hosting holidays for her family. She welcomed each grandchild and great grandchild with immense pride, love and joy. One of her greatest pleasures was playing bingo, a favorite pastime she enjoyed until the final week of her life.
Aurora was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Baltazar; son, Andrew; sisters, Emilia Gonzales, Inez Snedden, Concepcion Chappell, and Dolores Chavez; and brothers, Renard, Vincent, Julian, John, Peter, Joe and Robert Rojas.
Survivors include her children, Anthony (Sandy), Barbara Juarez (Larry), Jesse (Vickie), Katherine Salazar (Carlos), Marie Ramirez (Paul), and John (Celia); 19 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren; sister, Carmen Valdivia; numerous nieces and nephews; and special niece, Irene Perez.
The family thanks Vitas Hospice for their great care and concern for Aurora the last two months of her life.
Aurora was deeply loved, will be greatly missed and forever remembered. We love you, mom.
Visitation will be held at Redemptorist Catholic Church, located at 3333 Broadway Blvd, Kansas City, Missouri, 64111, on February 16, 2026, from 8:30 am to 9:15 am, with the Rosary at 9:15 am. The Mass of Christian Burial will be at 9:30 am at Redemptorist Catholic Church. Burial will take place at Mount Saint Mary's Cemetery, 2201 Cleveland Ave., Kansas City, Missouri, 64127, on February 16, 2026.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Redemptorist Social Services Center - Food Pantry or to Vitas Hospice.
